Election Stress Test: Can America's Electoral System Weather 2024?

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Nate Persily forecasts complications along with it.

Persily, a Stanford law professor and a leading expert in election law and administration, says the coming election cycle could pose unprecedented challenges for voters and election officials alike. “We are at a stage right now where there's a lot of anxiety about election administration,” he says. “There's a significant share of the population that's completely lost confidence in our system of elections.”

With nearly every state having altered its election laws since 2020 and a significant turnover in election administrators, Persily says the stage is set for a potentially bumpy ride this November. As voter confusion and AI-powered disinformation loom overhead, Persily says the integrity of our democracy may well depend on our collective ability to weather this less-than-perfect storm.

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(00:00) Chapter 1: Introduction and Challenges Ahead for the November Election 

Nate Persily outlines the primary concerns for the upcoming election, including voter confusion, changes in election laws, and the pressures faced by election officials.

(00:03:27) Chapter 2: Decentralization and Election Administration 

The panel discusses the challenges of managing a national election run by numerous local jurisdictions, including issues with certification and varying local procedures.

(00:05:44)  Chapter 3: The Evolving Election Timeline 

Persily, Karlan, and Ford explore how election day has expanded into an extended voting period, covering early and mail-in voting, and the implications for counting and certification.

(00:17:41) Chapter 4: Technology, Disinformation, and Media Influence 

Examines the impact of technology and disinformation, including deep fakes and misinformation about voting procedures, and their effects on public trust.

(00:23:37) Chapter 5: Building Confidence in the Electoral Process 

Persily discusses strategies to bolster confidence in the election process, emphasizing support for election officials and the role of local leaders in maintaining trust.