Start the steal?
Start the steal?Digest
This podcast delves into the contentious 2020 election, focusing on the claims of election fraud made by the Trump campaign and the threats received by election workers. It then shifts to Georgia, highlighting its significance as a battleground state in the upcoming 2024 election. The podcast explores the close margin of victory in 2020, the rise of election integrity concerns, and the new election laws passed by the state legislature. The discussion then turns to the Georgia State Election Board and its recent rule changes, which have sparked controversy and legal challenges. The podcast examines the rationale behind these changes, the opposition they have faced, and the potential impact on the 2024 election. An interview with David Becker, founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, provides expert insights on election security in Georgia. He addresses the reality versus perception of election integrity, the role of the State Election Board, and the importance of certification processes. The podcast concludes with predictions and advice for voters in the 2024 election, emphasizing the importance of patience, recognizing the potential for delays in vote counting, and being wary of claims of victory before all votes are tallied.
Outlines
The 2020 Election and its Aftermath in Georgia
This chapter discusses the 2020 election, highlighting its contentious nature and the subsequent claims of election fraud by the Trump campaign. It also mentions the threats received by election workers and the infamous call made by Donald Trump to Georgia's Secretary of State. It then transitions to Georgia's significance as a battleground state in the 2024 election, discussing the close margin of victory in 2020, the rise of election integrity concerns, and the new election laws passed by the state legislature.
Georgia State Election Board and its Controversial Rule Changes
This chapter delves into the Georgia State Election Board and its recent rule changes, which have sparked controversy and legal challenges. The chapter explores the rationale behind these changes, the opposition they have faced, and the potential impact on the 2024 election.
Expert Perspective on Election Security in Georgia
This chapter features an interview with David Becker, founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, who provides insights on election security in Georgia. He discusses the reality versus perception of election integrity, the role of the State Election Board, and the importance of certification processes.
What to Expect on Election Day and Beyond
This chapter offers predictions and advice for voters in the 2024 election. It emphasizes the importance of patience, recognizing the potential for delays in vote counting, and being wary of claims of victory before all votes are tallied.
Keywords
Battleground State
A state that is considered to be closely contested in an election, with the outcome potentially determining the overall result. These states are often targeted by campaigns with increased resources and attention.
Election Integrity
The assurance that elections are conducted fairly and accurately, free from fraud or manipulation. This concept encompasses various aspects, including voter registration, ballot security, and vote counting processes.
Dominion Voting Machines
A company that provides electronic voting systems used in many jurisdictions. These machines have been the subject of unfounded conspiracy theories alleging widespread fraud, despite numerous audits and investigations confirming their reliability.
Hand Counting of Ballots
A manual process of counting ballots by hand, often used as a verification method or in cases where electronic counting is not feasible. Hand counting is generally considered less reliable than machine counting due to the potential for human error.
Certification of Election Results
The formal process of verifying and confirming the results of an election, typically conducted by election officials at various levels. This process involves reviewing vote totals, resolving any discrepancies, and issuing a final declaration of the winner.
Disinformation
False or misleading information that is deliberately spread to deceive or manipulate people. Disinformation can be spread through various channels, including social media, news outlets, and political campaigns, and can have a significant impact on public opinion and trust in institutions.
Electoral Count Reform Act
A law passed by Congress in 2022 that aims to strengthen the democratic process surrounding presidential elections. It clarifies the role of the vice president in counting electoral votes, increases the threshold for objecting to electors, and provides funding for election security.
Q&A
What were the key factors that made Georgia a crucial state in the 2020 election?
Georgia was decided by a narrow margin of just under 12,000 votes, making it a pivotal state in determining the overall election outcome. It was also the first time since 1992 that a Democrat had won Georgia's presidential electoral votes.
What are the main concerns regarding election integrity in Georgia?
Concerns about election integrity in Georgia stem from the close 2020 election results, the spread of unfounded conspiracy theories about widespread fraud, and the passage of new election laws that some view as restrictive or designed to suppress voter turnout.
What are the key rule changes made by the Georgia State Election Board, and what are the arguments for and against them?
The rule changes include provisions related to the certification of election results, hand counting of ballots, and access for poll watchers. Proponents argue that these changes are necessary to ensure a fair and transparent election, while opponents claim they are intended to create chaos and confusion and potentially undermine the legitimacy of the election results.
What are the potential implications of these rule changes for the 2024 election?
The rule changes could potentially lead to delays in vote counting, increased opportunities for misinformation and legal challenges, and a heightened risk of claims of election fraud. However, election officials are committed to adapting to these changes and ensuring the integrity of the election process.
What are some key takeaways for voters in the 2024 election?
Voters should be patient and understand that it may take time to count all the ballots, especially in close races. They should also be wary of claims of victory before all votes are tallied and be prepared for potential efforts to spread disinformation and undermine the legitimacy of the election results.
Show Notes
A partisan election board in Georgia has been trying to change the rules around voting and election certification. It's giving 2020. In the first episode of our battleground state series, we go to Georgia to learn how election guardrails will protect the vote.
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.
Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast
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