Election Day is here. Everything you need to know.
Nov 5, 2024
auto_awesome
David Scott, Editor at the Associated Press, reveals the meticulous process behind monitoring and calling election races. He emphasizes the importance of accuracy over speed in reporting results. Jessica Huseman, Editorial Director of VoteBeat.org, discusses crucial election certification deadlines and the looming legal challenges that could shape the 2024 election landscape. Both guests highlight how these complexities may affect public trust and the overall electoral process, making this election one of the most litigated in history.
The timing of election result announcements varies due to factors like counting methods, making patience essential for voters awaiting outcomes.
The educational landscape is challenged by policies limiting political discussion, impacting how educators prepare students for civic engagement in a polarized environment.
Deep dives
Understanding Election Results Timing
The timing of when election results are known varies significantly, influenced by factors like the voting process and counting methods. Unlike many Western democracies, there is no single body that declares election winners in the U.S.; instead, media organizations, notably the Associated Press, rely on data from various sources including state reports and local election officials. In recent elections, results have ranged from being announced by early Wednesday to taking several days, as seen in the 2020 election due to a surge in mail-in ballots. Expecting patience is crucial, as close races may prolong the counting process, yet this should not be misconstrued as a sign of fraud or malfeasance.
The Role of Legal Challenges Post-Election
The official certification of election results follows the media’s declaration and is subject to processes that can include legal challenges, which were prominent in the 2020 election. Secretaries of state have learned from past lawsuits and prepared teams to tackle potential legal disputes swiftly, ensuring timely certifications. While the likelihood of lawsuits disrupting the outcome is low, they can foster distrust among voters, especially amid baseless claims of fraud. As political parties prepare their strategies, the messaging around election integrity must evolve, particularly for Republicans, to avoid alienating voters dissuaded by claims of a flawed system.
Impacts on Election Education and Participation
The political climate has affected educational approaches to teaching about elections, as many history educators choose to forgo discussions surrounding this historic election cycle. A significant concern arises from recent policies limiting educational content about politics, leaving teachers unsure about how to engage students in discussions on electoral processes. However, some educators emphasize the importance of teaching critical thinking and respectful disagreement to prepare students for informed civic participation. This approach is essential for countering political polarization and ensuring that the next generation understands their role in democracy.
On this Election Day episode: When will we know who won the White House? We asked David Scott, editor of the Associated Press Decision Desk. And he pulls back the curtain on its intricate process of monitoring and calling races.
Votebeat’s Jessica Huseman, a recent Apple News In Conversation guest, explains one of the important upcoming deadlines in the election-certification process, and how lawsuits could disrupt that process. The 2024 election is shaping up to be the most heavily litigated in history, according to CNN’s chief legal-affairs correspondent, Paula Reid.
Plus, USA Today explains why your Election Day outfit matters, the Wall Street Journal speaks with the teachers keeping this election out of their curriculum, the L.A. Times visits the county that’s predicted every presidential winner since 1980, and NBC’s state-by-state voting guide.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode