Election Security Matters
2Digest
The episode begins with an overview of the topics to be discussed, including the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, updates on Trump's criminal cases, and a special guest from the Campaign Legal Center. The hosts then delve into the legal charges against the suspect in the assassination attempt, focusing on the charges of felon in possession of a firearm and obliterated serial number. They explain the significance of these charges and the legal process involved. The discussion then shifts to the potential for election interference in the 2024 election, specifically the strategy of election deniers to disrupt the certification process. The hosts explain the new federal law requiring states to certify their presidential election results by December 11th and the legal remedies available to address any challenges. The episode concludes with an interview with Adav Noti, executive director of the Campaign Legal Center. Noti discusses the organization's work to protect elections and ensure the will of the voters is reflected in the final results. He also sheds light on the strategy of election deniers and the legal safeguards in place to prevent election subversion.
Outlines
Election Security and the 2024 Election
This episode explores the legal implications of the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the potential for election interference in the 2024 election, and the legal safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the election process.
Legal Analysis of the Assassination Attempt
The hosts discuss the legal charges against the suspect in the assassination attempt, including felon in possession of a firearm and obliterated serial number. They explain the significance of these charges and the legal process involved.
Election Interference and Certification
The hosts discuss the potential for election interference and the strategy of election deniers to disrupt the certification process. They explain the new federal law requiring states to certify their presidential election results by December 11th and the legal remedies available to address any challenges.
Interview with Adav Noti
The hosts interview Adav Noti, executive director of the Campaign Legal Center, about the organization's work to protect elections and ensure the will of the voters is reflected in the final results. They discuss the strategy of election deniers and the legal safeguards in place to prevent election subversion.
Keywords
Felon in Possession
A federal crime in the United States that prohibits individuals convicted of felonies from possessing firearms. This law is intended to prevent individuals with criminal histories from accessing firearms and potentially using them to commit further crimes.
Obliterated Serial Number
A federal crime in the United States that prohibits the alteration or removal of serial numbers from firearms. Serial numbers are crucial for law enforcement to track firearms and investigate crimes, and obliterating them hinders these efforts.
Election Certification
The official process by which a state or county confirms the results of an election and declares a winner. This process typically involves the tabulation of votes, the resolution of any disputes or challenges, and the issuance of a certificate of election.
Election Subversion
Any attempt to undermine or disrupt the integrity of an election, including efforts to suppress voter turnout, manipulate vote counts, or interfere with the certification process. Election subversion can take many forms and can have serious consequences for the democratic process.
Electoral Count Reform Act
A federal law passed in 2022 that reforms the process for counting Electoral College votes and clarifies the role of the vice president in the process. The law aims to prevent future attempts to overturn election results through congressional objections or other means.
Q&A
What are the legal charges against the suspect in the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump?
The suspect has been charged with two federal crimes: felon in possession of a firearm and obliterating a serial number. These charges stem from his possession of a firearm despite a prior felony conviction and the alteration of the firearm's serial number.
What is the strategy of election deniers to disrupt the certification process in the 2024 election?
Election deniers aim to pressure local officials, particularly county officials, to refuse to certify election results, creating uncertainty and chaos about the final outcome. They hope to exploit the time constraints and legal complexities of the certification process to undermine the legitimacy of the election.
What legal safeguards are in place to prevent election subversion and ensure the accurate certification of election results?
The Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022 establishes a firm deadline for states to certify their presidential election results by December 11th. It also provides for a specially convened three-judge federal court to resolve any disputes and a direct appeal to the Supreme Court. These measures aim to ensure a timely and legitimate certification process.
Show Notes
As the FBI continues to investigate the second apparent Trump assassination attempt, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord describe the charges brought and the reasoning behind them. Then, they move to the latest out of Georgia after Judge McAfee dismissed three counts from the 41-count indictment, while allowing the rest to go forward. And lastly, Mary and Andrew welcome Adav Noti, Executive Director of the Campaign Legal Center, to calm some concerns about certain jurisdictions refusing to certify this November's election results.
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