As Election Day approaches, anticipation builds regarding who will emerge as the next president. However, the battle extends beyond the ballot box, with significant legal challenges already underway. This situation echoes the controversial 2020 election, where former President Donald Trump asserted he was the rightful winner, stating, “We think we will win the election very easily. We expect considerable litigation due to the abundant evidence we possess. This might ultimately reach the highest court in the land.” Trump’s claims of widespread fraud led to numerous lawsuits that ultimately failed, but similar strategies are surfacing again as the 2024 elections unfold.
Elections Facing Legal Challenges
With tens of millions of Americans having already cast their votes in the 2024 election, both major parties are gearing up for a protracted dispute over the election results. A plethora of lawsuits have already been filed, contesting the electoral process. Jessica Marsden, director of impact programs for free and fair elections, highlights that many of these suits target the disenfranchisement of voters based on alleged eligibility issues.
“We have observed numerous lawsuits initiated by the Republican National Committee and affiliated conservative organizations questioning voter eligibility, claiming thousands of registered voters may not qualify due to non-citizenship or other issues,” Marsden explains. Additionally, she notes that there have been recent legal challenges in states like North Carolina, Michigan, and Pennsylvania regarding the voting processes for overseas citizens, including military personnel.
Anticipating Legal Strategies
Marsden suggests that the timing of these lawsuits might reveal a strategic shift. By filing lawsuits early in the process, advocates may hope to improve their chances of success compared to past efforts in 2020. “Many cases were dismissed previously due to late filings. You cannot wait until after an election to contest a voter’s eligibility. Filing these cases now may set the stage for arguments to be revisited after the election,” she adds.
Democrats have also engaged in election-related litigation, though Marsden notes they have filed fewer cases, primarily serving as counteractions to Republican initiatives. “Democrats are intervening in many cases originally filed by Republicans, resulting in a noteworthy dynamic this election season, with a visible uptick in litigation from Republican factions,” she states.
The evolving legal landscape surrounding the 2024 elections demonstrates the intense preparations on both sides as they brace for any potential disputes arising from the upcoming results.
