Georgia Secretary of State calls new certification rule "misguided"
Sep 17, 2024
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Mary Louise Kelly chats with Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Secretary of State, about pivotal changes in election law. He expresses concerns over new certification rules, calling them misguided. Raffensperger highlights the challenges of ballot handling modifications, stressing the importance of election integrity. As preparations ramp up amidst chaos, he talks about training poll workers and managing absentee ballots. The discussion also touches on unexpected political endorsements that may impact voter engagement in battleground states.
Changes to election rules in Georgia could delay result announcements, potentially compromising the voting process and public confidence.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger underscores the importance of maintaining electoral integrity despite political pressure and challenges faced after the 2020 election.
Deep dives
Challenges of Election Process Changes in Georgia
Last-minute changes to election rules in Georgia may introduce significant delays in the vote counting process. Procedures that involve opening ballot boxes and handling ballots outside of secure warehouses compromise the chain of custody and could potentially extend the time needed to produce election results. This lack of adherence to established protocols could shift the timeline from a typical closure around 9:30 PM to as late as 2 or 3 AM, creating uncertainty and chaos. Such inconsistencies in the election process raise concerns about the overall readiness of the state to conduct a smooth and efficient election.
Upholding Election Integrity Amid Political Pressure
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger emphasizes the necessity of maintaining principles in the face of political pressure, particularly in light of the 2020 presidential election challenges. During a controversial phone call, Trump urged Raffensperger to overturn the election results, a request he refused as he relied on accurate data and the principle of law. Raffensperger's commitment to his duties reflects the importance of institutional checks to protect democracy, regardless of personal political affiliations. He asserts that the legitimacy of the election process is paramount and expresses confidence in Georgia's ability to conduct a fair election in 2024, provided that proper measures are in place.
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger about the upcoming presidential election.