The US election result is already being legally challenged
Oct 9, 2024
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Travis Doss, Georgia's election officials' president, shares the harrowing reality of navigating election integrity amidst political pressure. Jill Filipovic discusses how manipulation threatens democracy, while Katie Stallard reveals the looming legal challenges with 120 lawsuits in play. Dawn Brancati warns of potential unrest as delays in results could spark civil discord. The conversation delves into the erosion of trust in electoral processes and how election officials are increasingly facing threats in a charged political climate.
The Republican National Committee is currently embroiled in around 120 legal cases, foreboding potential challenges to the 2024 election results.
Election officials in Georgia face heightened threats and scrutiny, raising concerns about their safety and the integrity of the electoral process.
Deep dives
Countdown to Retirement and Election Tensions
The president of the Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials in Georgia reflects on the pressures of election administration in light of recent events. After nearly three decades in service, he counts down to his retirement, yet expresses concern over the growing mistrust in the electoral process. Since the razor-thin victory of Joe Biden in Georgia, doubts regarding voting integrity have surged, particularly among supporters of the former president. The subsequent lawsuits and public outcry have created a tumultuous environment for election officials, raising fears not just about job security but about personal safety as threats against them have escalated.
The Aftermath of the 2020 Election
In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, Georgia's election officials faced intensified scrutiny and harassment. The narrow win prompted false allegations of fraud, leading to a deluge of lawsuits from the former president's camp. As officials narrated incidents of threats received via phone and email, some were forced to take security precautions, including police escorts and altering their daily routines. The environment of suspicion and hostility appears to have persisted, with looming concerns over how Georgia's election officials will navigate the upcoming presidential election amidst heightened animosity.
Certification Rules and Potential Chaos
Recent changes to Georgia's election certification process have raised alarm that they might invite further chaos following the upcoming election. The newly defined rules allow for potential questions regarding election results, which some fear could lead to non-certification. For example, a new regulation that requires hand counting ballots could delay results and prompt unwarranted allegations of election tampering. The anxiety among election officials stems from the possibility that any delays might trigger threats and accusations, especially if a favored candidate does not win.
Legal Maneuvering and Threats to Democracy
The upcoming presidential election is surrounded by a slew of legal challenges that many view as a tactic to sow distrust in the electoral process. The Republican National Committee is involved in numerous lawsuits aimed at questioning the integrity of the election, even though many of these cases have been struck down in court. Critics argue that these actions are preparatory measures for contesting the election results should they be unfavorable to their candidates. As the political landscape shapes up, many fear that these legal strategems will fan the flames of division and chaos, undermining faith in American democracy.
Right now the Republic National Committee is involved in around 120 legal cases across the US connected to the upcoming 2024 elections. It's predicted that we won't know the results of the election for days after the vote. And when we do it might very well be challenged. This is set to be the most litigious election in US history.
So what does this mean practically? And is the scene being set for more political violence?