Stephen Richer, an election official from Arizona, and Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, engage in a compelling discussion on the insidious spread of conspiracy theories affecting democracy. They delve into personal experiences with political absurdities and the erosion of truth, revealing how unfounded claims can corrode trust in electoral processes. The conversation highlights the psychological toll on public officials and the pressures to conform within party lines, drawing alarming parallels to authoritarian regimes.

This episode contains strong language. Hundreds of candidates on the ballot in November still deny that President Biden won in 2020 — a level of denialism that is fueling harassment and threats toward election workers. Few have experienced those attacks as viscerally as election workers in Arizona. Today, we speak with the top election official in the state’s largest county. Guest: Stephen Richer, the recorder of Maricopa County in Arizona. Background reading: Election officials are on alert as voting begins for midterm elections, the biggest test of the American election system since former President Donald J. Trump’s lies about the 2020 results launched an assault on the democratic process.Over 370 Republican candidates have cast doubt on the 2020 election despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, according to a New York Times investigation.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.  Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 presidential candidate, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz dive into the pivotal issues of the upcoming election. They discuss voter trust, economic policies, and strategies to tackle international tensions. Meanwhile, election official Stephen Richer confronts skepticism over the 2020 results, promoting electoral integrity, while Shelby Bush raises concerns over election fraud narratives. The conversation touches on the implications of the October 7 attacks and ongoing global conflicts, posing urgent questions about democracy's future.

Maricopa County Recorder and a writer join to discuss Kari Lake's false claims of election fraud, the danger of white grievance movement, Florida abortion ruling, and a podcast award nomination for a series on Lindsey Graham's corruption.

Tim Murphy, a reporter for Mother Jones, shares insights from inside Maricopa County's election center, highlighting the threats faced by election officials like Stephen Richer. Ari Berman delves into the influence of election deniers in Georgia, illuminating efforts to reshape voting laws. The conversation touches on the stark reality of misinformation and its impact on public trust in democracy. Emotional testimonies reveal the personal toll on those defending election integrity amid a charged political atmosphere.