The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 15, 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.
Our series on keeping our Presidential election from being overturned by bad actors explained how the new Electoral Count Reform Act clarifies federal and state rules. But we’ve also learned how the blocking of election certification by rogue county election boards is still a possibility. A new report recommends ways of stopping those disruptions.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, issued a report Aug. 13th outlining the threat of partisan actors using their positions on county election boards to block certification. This election, U.S. Constitutional and statutory deadlines require certification by December 11th. By that date, all recounts and litigation must be complete.
CREW’s report states, “State laws make clear that certification is non-discretionary. It is not an opportunity for county officials to politically grandstand, lodge protest votes against election practices they dislike or investigate suspected voter fraud.”
The organization recommends that state officials communicate NOW to county election officials, making their duties clear, and detailing the penalties for non-compliance. Michigan’s Secretary of State recently issued such an advisory.
States should also be prepared to request emergency orders by the state supreme court, having state personnel step in, and removing obstructionist county officials if necessary.
What if state officials won’t certify the election? More on that scenario tomorrow. The CREW report is linked at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Protect Democracy – Election certification, explained
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) – Summary – Election certification under threat
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) – Full Report – Election certification under threat
Election Reformers Network – Helping States Comply with the Electoral Count Reform Act
Brennan Center for Justice – Election Denial Can’t Overcome Election Certification Protections
Groups Taking Action:
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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