In a captivating discussion, Professor Stephen Siegel, a Law Professor at DePaul University and expert on the Electoral Count Act, dives into the historical significance of this 1887 legislation. He addresses the complexities of election disputes, including contentious moments like Bush v. Gore. Siegel explains the process Congress follows when counting electoral votes, potential partisan challenges, and the importance of effective oversight. Listeners gain insights into navigating electoral controversies and the balance of power between state and federal authorities.

Explore the intriguing role of the electors in the U.S. Electoral College. Discover how their votes are cast, and the potential pitfalls that can arise. Delve into the historical showdown between Jefferson and Burr, and how it influenced the creation of the 12th Amendment. Learn about the complexities behind electors' duties and the often-controversial winner-takes-all system. The conversation also addresses risks of bribery and the evolving debate on the future of this electoral mechanism.

Matthew Seligman, a writer focused on voting rights and the Supreme Court, dives into the complex interplay between state legislatures and voter decisions in presidential elections. He discusses the historical evolution of electors' appointment and significant legal debates on authority versus voter rights. Seligman highlights the challenges posed by potential election interference and the rare practice of state legislatures creating alternative elector slates. The conversation underscores the pressing issue of electoral integrity in today’s political climate.

Delve into the riveting history of close presidential elections as past events from 1796 to 2000 reveal critical lessons for today's democracy. Discover how Hawaii's contested votes in 1960 and the infamous Florida recount in 2000 shaped electoral processes. Reflect on the ethical dilemmas faced by electors and the pressure on Congress during disputes. The complexities of mail-in ballots and the need for transparent counting processes are emphasized, highlighting the necessity of informed public engagement in today's electoral landscape.

This discussion dives into the chaos of election night, exploring the 'red mirage' where early returns might favor Trump while Biden edges out in the end. It reveals how variations in mail-in ballot counting impact perceptions of election results, particularly in battleground states. Legal insights shed light on a crucial Supreme Court ruling that affects ballot acceptance post-Election Day. The conversation also highlights the importance of informed and calm ballot counting to navigate election complexity and misinformation.

In this episode, Larry Lessig introduces a mini-series that will appear in this feed between now and election day: Another Way To Elect The President. This intro provides some historical and legal background for what could be a presidential election unlike any other. Stay tuned for additional episodes.

This week, Larry speaks with Jake Auchincloss—candidate for Massachusetts’ 4th congressional district—about his victory in a heated primary, the need to reform how we elect candidates, and an in-depth discussion of some of the more obscure, but innovative proposals for campaign finance reform.

In this episode, Larry Lessig speaks with US Senate candidate Jon Ossoff about his campaign to represent Georgia, how his career as a journalist investigating corruption led him to run for office, his commitment to small-dollar public financing, and proposals to fix our broken democracy.

Equal Citizens' Jason Harrow and Adam Eichen discuss a case Jason's working on about age description in voting. They also talk about legal challenges to voting in general, with only about six weeks to go before the general election.

For more information about Unrig, visit: https://www.unrigbook.com