
One Big Thing: Are you concerned about foreign or domestic election interference?
Join us and take our poll
What is it?
- Concerns have been raised about the integrity and legitimacy of the 2020 November elections and whether they will go forward on time. With coronavirus threatening normal public life, many election officials are looking for creative and legal ways to ensure that November’s election reflects the will of American voters.
- Internationally, China and Russia have stepped up their game in terms of election meddling. Both have enhanced their ability to project disinformation on social media and through Russian government owned news stations like RT.
- Domestically, there has been debate about the need for more funding for elections. Congress allocated $400 million in March, but as reported by the Brennan Center, many experts believe more is needed in light of COVID-19.
- Additionally, concerns of legality have been raised about the use and distribution of mail-in-ballots and applications for them; however, in most localities across the United States, mail-in ballots have been used for decades without issue.
- Local election officials – who actually plan and execute elections at all levels – are making plans to ensure an election with the highest of integrity but additional funding looks to be needed.
Why is it important?
- Electoral transparency and legitimacy are core functions to the transition of power in a democracy. True democratic representation is when citizens’ desires are reflected in the election results and must be protected from foreign and domestic meddlers.
- Although Russia and China have already successfully deployed election meddling campaigns around the world including Madagascar, Zambia, and even the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
- Domestically, the only way the election can be postponed is by an act of Congress, agreed on by both the House of Representative and the Senate. Even if Congress were to choose to enact this option, the 20th amendment stipulates that “The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January.” The United States has never postponed a presidential election.
What can you do?
- Tune into NPR’s 26 minute toolkit on How to Spot Misinformation.
- Voting is the best way to ensure electoral legitimacy is by voting! Register to vote HERE
Featured
-
One Big Thing: The Inauguration of President Joe BidenThis morning, President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States of America. Kamala Harris also took read more... News
-
Ask the Expert - Episode 6: When can you expect to know the election result?As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with read more... Short Video
-
People of Hong Kong Receive Leadership AwardThe second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition read more... News
-
How do you plan on practicing Maverick voting?Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of read more...
-
Introducing the Diplomacy CaucusThe ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s read more... News
Join we hold these truths and take action on human rights