October 30, 2024
The playwright Tom Stoppard once said about our election process, “It’s not the voting that’s democracy; it’s the counting.” And while not completely accurate, Mr. Stoppard, in his pithy way, certainly provided a simple yet profound reflection on America’s election system.
As we approach Nov. 5 and all of the aftermath that will come with it, the discussion around election integrity has never been more important. With many states attempting to waive or alter voting regulations right before the election, some states investigating incidents in which ballots have been set on fire and drop boxes have been vandalized, concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process are escalating. As we’ve seen, these changes can create an environment ripe for confusion and mistrust, undermining the very foundations of our republic.
In recent years, we have witnessed various states enact last-minute adjustments to voting procedures. These “modifications,” often framed as necessary for efficiency, fairness, or accessibility, can have far-reaching implications. For instance, proposals to extend voting hours or alter mail-in ballot protocols might seem reasonable at first glance, but they can also lead to significant discrepancies in how votes are counted. Such actions can inadvertently sow doubt among voters, feeding a growing narrative that the system is vulnerable to cheating or manipulation.
More recently, in October, Fulton County Judge Thomas Cox nullified seven election integrity rules approved by the Georgia State Election Board (SEB) less than three weeks before Election Day. Specifically, Cox permanently struck down a rule that aimed to ensure that the number of physical ballots counted on Election Day matched the machine count total at the precinct level.
In Florida, two groups tried to get the voter registration deadline extended due to the recent hurricanes that lashed the state, even though the deadline was days before any hurricane made landfall.
However, despite these challenges, Florida stands out as a model for managing electoral integrity. Since the national embarrassment of Bush v. Gore, the state has implemented a series of reforms designed to enhance transparency and secure the voters’ trust in the election process. After the 2020 election, Florida bolstered voter identification requirements to ensure secure ballot handling. The Sunshine State has worked diligently to restore faith in its electoral system. This commitment to integrity has not only improved the efficiency of elections but has also resulted in more African-Americans and Hispanics voting than ever before — two demographics that were, ironically, supposed to be disenfranchised by these changes. Finally, these solutions have fortified public confidence, showcasing that proactive measures can indeed yield positive results.
As we navigate the complexities of electoral processes, it is essential to remember that any disputes arising from election outcomes must be resolved through our legal systems, not through violence or intimidation. The rule of law serves as the backbone of our democracy, allowing for peaceful resolution and the upholding of citizens’ rights.
The Nov. 5 elections present both challenges and opportunities. It is imperative that states prioritize election integrity, ensuring that every eligible voter has access to a secure and fair voting process. As citizens, we must advocate for transparency and accountability, while also committing to peaceful dialogue and responsible legal recourse in the face of disputes and disagreements. The future of our republic depends on it.
