Watchdog groups are raising concerns about the risks surrounding election certification, yet experts maintain that robust safeguards remain in place.
ECNETNews:
Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election have spotlighted previously overlooked aspects of the voting process, including elector slates, mail ballot drop boxes, and particularly, the critical certification process that finalizes vote totals. A new regulation in Georgia could pave the way for a worrying trend of local officials opting to decline election certification.
Certification is generally a formality where local political entities, such as county canvassing boards, confirm the work of election officials. This process was rarely controversial until the last presidential election, when Trump attempted to persuade canvassing board members in Michigan to refuse certification.
However, local certifiers do not tally votes or conduct audits; that responsibility falls to election officials. Each state provides legal channels for voters and candidates to contest vote counting, primarily through litigation, but certification refusal lacks legal endorsement in any state.
Since Trump’s controversial phone call in 2020, instances of certification refusal have increased, reflecting the infiltration of election conspiracy theories into voting practices. Recently, numerous Republican local officials have voted against certification, often citing these unfounded theories. The heightened scrutiny stems from a new rule by the Georgia elections board, which implies that these boards may assume investigative roles, a move that many legal experts believe contradicts state law and is currently facing legal challenges.
Courts have consistently favored certification in similar cases nationwide, reinforcing confidence among election officials. In situations where counties have resisted certification, courts have intervened to enforce it. This legal clarity, as emphasized by election leaders, serves as a strong deterrent against potential certification tampering.
With upcoming elections, voting officials are preparing for possible certification challenges. Echoing experiences from past electoral cycles, officials from Pennsylvania and other states are ready to navigate any refusals, fueled by a comprehensive understanding of the law and the judicial process.
In Pennsylvania, for instance, officials faced certification resistance arising from disputes over mail ballot counting protocols. Despite these challenges, the Secretary of the Commonwealth expressed confidence, asserting that the legal system is equipped to address any recurrences of this issue in future elections.
As the electoral landscape evolves, the focus on certification remains paramount for maintaining trust and integrity in the democratic process.
