The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 16, 2024
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
In the last report of our series on protections against overturning the Presidential election, we consider what happens if the state official authorized to certify your state’s election results refuses to do so. It’s not as far-fetched as you think.
Ohio’s hyperpartisan Secretary of State Frank LaRose made no attempt to hide recent partisan attempts to change the rules for citizen ballot initiatives, try to stop initiatives his party didn’t like, and aggressively purge Black and Brown voter registrations. Pro-democracy organization Public Wise is also tracking statewide officials considered “election threats,” including the election board chair and vice chair in Wisconsin, the secretary of state in Florida, and the lieutenant governor of Georgia, among seven battleground states.
Democracy Docket disturbingly pointed out that in states including Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Nevada, candidates elected November 5th could be sworn in BEFORE the federal December 11th certification deadline, meaning an incoming governor or secretary of state election denier COULD be the executive authorized to certify. A good reason to do your homework, and vote the whole ballot.
Most states have penalties for willful obstruction of election proceedings. Failing that, the U.S. Justice Department could enforce the new Electoral Count Reform Act, Voting Rights Act, or civil rights laws. But those deterrents may not keep rogue officials from trying.
We’ve linked analysis at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Protect Democracy – Report: Election Certification Is Not Optional
National Conference of State Legislatures – Election Certification Deadlines & Procedures by State
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) – Full Report ‘Election Certification Under Threat”
Public Wise – Election Threat Index
Democracy Docket – What Happens When Election Officials Refuse to Certify Results?
Democracy Docket – This November’s State Legislative Elections Are Key To Protecting the Presidential Election
Groups Taking Action:
Public Wise, Protect Democracy, CREW
Check Your Voter Registration:
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
- USA Vote Foundation – Registration, Eligibility, State Election Office Links
- Vote.Gov – Register to Vote in Your State
- Vote.Org – Check Your Registration to Vote
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#Democracy #DemocracyNews #ProtectElections #ElectionProtection #ElectionCertification