Gregory Korte, a Bloomberg politics reporter specializing in elections, dives into the complexities of the U.S. presidential election process. He discusses whether we'll know the results on election night or face a drawn-out wait like in 2020. Korte highlights the shift in voting patterns and the critical role of concession speeches in maintaining democracy. He also addresses the challenges posed by new voting laws and misinformation, especially in swing states, emphasizing the urgency of building electoral trust.
The evolution of election processes, influenced by mail-in voting and varied state rules, can lead to extended delays in declaring winners.
Misinformation and public trust issues are exacerbated when results are unclear, highlighting the need for clearer voting and certification procedures.
Deep dives
Instagram's Teen Account Safety Measures
Instagram has introduced specific safety measures for teen accounts, requiring parental approval for users under 16 to modify their privacy settings. These provisions are aimed at creating a safer online environment by limiting who can contact teens and controlling the content they can access. The changes reflect a broader commitment to enhancing user safety on social media, acknowledging the unique vulnerabilities of younger users. This initiative underscores the platform's goal of fostering secure and positive connections for teens while allowing parents some oversight.
The Complexity of Election Results
The process of determining election winners in the United States has evolved significantly, yet it remains complicated by varied state rules and voting methods. In close races, such as the 2020 presidential election, the counting of mail-in ballots can lead to extended periods before a winner is declared, creating opportunities for speculation and conspiracy theories. Historical events, like the 2000 presidential election, demonstrate how delays can fuel doubts about election integrity. The pandemic has also shifted voting habits, with more people opting for early and mail-in voting, which may prolong the counting process in future elections.
Challenges in Modern Election Administration
Current election administration faces challenges, with varying state laws impacting the efficiency and transparency of vote counting. Despite advancements in technology and improved election security, there remain concerns about how local election officials will manage potential disputes and claims of fraud. Observers note that the risk of misinformation increases in the absence of a clear winner, jeopardizing public trust in the electoral process. Legislative efforts have aimed to clarify voting and certification procedures, but as seen in swing states like Pennsylvania, the risk of confusion and contention persists.
Will we know the result of the 2024 US Presidential election on election night? Or will the new normal look like 2020, when Americans had to wait days for the final call?
Bloomberg politics reporter Gregory Korte joins Big Take DC host Saleha Mohsin to break down what’s changed since former President Donald Trump began contesting the results of his 2020 loss, and what could happen if a drawn-out election call stokes uncertainty in the electoral process.