The Sunday Read: ‘A Republican Election Clerk vs. Trump Die-Hards in a World of Lies’
3Digest
This episode of The Daily delves into the consequences of election denialism on local election officials, particularly in Esmeralda County, Nevada. The story centers around Cindy Elgin, the county clerk, who has been targeted by a recall petition driven by unfounded accusations of election fraud. Despite her long-standing service and Republican affiliation, Elgin has become a target of distrust due to the spread of conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. The episode highlights the personal toll this distrust has taken on Elgin, as she faces threats, skepticism, and a sense of betrayal from her own community. The episode also explores the motivations of those pushing for the recall, including Mary Jane Zacus, a local Republican leader, and Sam Wise, a former county commissioner candidate. The episode reveals how these individuals have been influenced by misinformation and conspiracy theories, leading them to believe that Elgin is part of a larger conspiracy to undermine democracy. The episode concludes with the recall petition verification process, where Elgin's position is ultimately upheld due to inconsistencies in the petition. However, the episode emphasizes the ongoing threat of election denialism and its potential to erode trust in democratic institutions.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces Lauren Dragon from Wirecutter, a product recommendation service from the New York Times, who specializes in testing headphones. The chapter also mentions the conductivity of sweat and how Wirecutter tests headphones for their durability against sweat.
Election Denialism's Impact on Local Officials
This Chapter delves into the widespread belief in election denialism, particularly among Republicans, and its impact on local election officials. The chapter highlights the story of Cindy Elgin, the Esmeralda County clerk in Nevada, who has faced significant challenges due to unfounded accusations of election fraud.
The Recall Petition
This Chapter details the confrontation between Cindy Elgin and Mary Jane Zacus, a local Republican leader, who presents a recall petition seeking Elgin's removal from office. The petition is based on accusations of election interference, stemming from the spread of election denialism following the 2020 presidential election.
The Spread of Misinformation
This Chapter explores the efforts of Mary Jane Zacus to gather signatures for the recall petition, highlighting her extensive travels and encounters with residents of Esmeralda County. The chapter also delves into Zacus's own journey into election denialism, influenced by figures like Mark Cook and Jim Marshont, who spread conspiracy theories about voting machines and election officials.
The Recall Verification
This Chapter describes the process of verifying the recall petition signatures, where inconsistencies are found, ultimately preventing the recall election. The chapter highlights the tension and distrust surrounding the process, as Zacus and her supporters remain skeptical of the outcome.
Keywords
Election Denialism
The belief that an election was not conducted fairly or that the results were illegitimate, often based on unfounded claims of fraud or manipulation. It has become a significant issue in American politics, particularly following the 2020 presidential election, leading to distrust in democratic institutions and threats against election officials.
Esmeralda County
A county located in the western part of Nevada, known for its sparsely populated desert landscape and its history of mining. The county has become a focal point for election denialism, with residents expressing skepticism about the integrity of local elections.
Cindy Elgin
The Esmeralda County clerk in Nevada, who has faced a recall petition fueled by false claims of election fraud. Elgin has served as the clerk for two decades and is a Republican, but has become a target of distrust due to the spread of conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.
Mary Jane Zacus
A longtime elementary school teacher and a leader in the local Republican Party in Esmeralda County. Zacus is a key figure in the effort to recall Cindy Elgin, driven by her belief in election denialism and conspiracy theories.
Sam Wise
A former county commissioner candidate in Esmeralda County who supports the recall of Cindy Elgin. Wise believes that the election system is rigged and that Elgin is part of a larger conspiracy to undermine democracy.
Dominion Voting Systems
A company that provides voting machines and software to election officials in the United States. Dominion has been the target of false accusations of election fraud, which have been widely debunked. These accusations have contributed to the spread of election denialism and have led to threats against election officials.
Deep State
A conspiracy theory that posits the existence of a shadowy, unelected group of individuals who control the government and manipulate events behind the scenes. This theory is often used to explain perceived injustices or to discredit political opponents.
Recall Election
A process by which voters can remove an elected official from office before the end of their term. Recall elections are often initiated by citizens who believe that an official is not fulfilling their duties or is acting against the interests of the community.
Misinformation
False or inaccurate information that is spread intentionally or unintentionally. Misinformation can have a significant impact on public opinion and can lead to harmful consequences, such as the spread of conspiracy theories and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions.
Q&A
What is the main focus of this episode of The Daily?
The episode focuses on the impact of election denialism on local election officials, specifically highlighting the story of Cindy Elgin, the Esmeralda County clerk in Nevada, who faces a recall petition fueled by false claims of election fraud.
Why has Cindy Elgin become a target of distrust and a recall petition?
Elgin has become a target due to the spread of conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, which have led some residents of Esmeralda County to believe that she is part of a larger conspiracy to undermine democracy. Despite her long-standing service and Republican affiliation, she has been accused of election interference and being a tool of the 'deep state'.
What are some of the motivations behind the recall effort?
The recall effort is driven by individuals who have been influenced by misinformation and conspiracy theories. They believe that the election system is rigged and that Elgin is part of a larger conspiracy to manipulate votes. They are seeking to remove her from office to restore their trust in the electoral process.
What is the outcome of the recall petition verification process?
The recall petition is ultimately ruled insufficient due to inconsistencies in the signatures and addresses. This prevents a recall election from taking place and allows Elgin to remain in her position.
What are some of the broader implications of this story?
The story highlights the ongoing threat of election denialism and its potential to erode trust in democratic institutions. It shows how misinformation can spread even in small, rural communities, leading to distrust and conflict among neighbors and friends. It also raises concerns about the safety and well-being of election officials who are increasingly facing threats and harassment.
Show Notes
Cindy Elgan glanced into the lobby of her office and saw a sheriff’s deputy waiting at the front counter. “Let’s start a video recording, just in case this goes sideways,” Elgan, 65, told one of her employees in the Esmeralda County clerk’s office. She had come to expect skepticism, conspiracy theories and even threats related to her job as an election administrator. She grabbed her annotated booklet of Nevada state laws, said a prayer for patience and walked into the lobby to confront the latest challenge to America’s electoral process.
The deputy was standing alongside a woman that Elgan recognized as Mary Jane Zakas, 77, a longtime elementary schoolteacher and a leader in the local Republican Party. She often asked for a sheriff’s deputy to accompany her to the election’s office, in case her meetings became contentious.
“I hope you’re having a blessed morning,” Zakas said. “Unfortunately, a lot of people are still very concerned about the security of their votes. They’ve lost all trust in the system.”
After the 2020 election, former President Donald J. Trump’s denials and accusations of voter fraud spread outward from the White House to even the country’s most remote places, like Esmeralda County. Elgan knew most of the 620 voters in the town. Still, they accused her of being paid off and skimming votes away from Trump. And even though their allegations came with no evidence, they wanted her recalled from office before the next presidential election in November.
Table of contents
United States
