New GOP rules could block election results in swing states

Introduction

Local election officials in states such as Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Georgia are facing unprecedented challenges in certifying election results. This troubling trend comes amidst growing concerns about the influence of election deniers and MAGA extremists who have taken control of various state and local election boards. These developments raise alarms about the potential institutionalization of insurrectionist tactics in key battleground states.

The impact of these changes cannot be overstated, as state and local boards not only legislate new voting laws but also dictate the administration of elections. While voters can cast their ballots and have those votes counted, the finality of an election hinges on the certification of results. This crucial step was underscored in the 2020 elections, where we learned that nothing is truly official until the elections are certified. Alarmingly, there are already signs that Republicans are preparing to reject certification if an election does not yield the outcomes they desire.

The integrity of our electoral process hangs in the balance as these local and state officials navigate a landscape increasingly fraught with political agendas that may bypass established norms of democracy.

Keyword

• Local election officials
• Election results
• Arizona
• Michigan
• Nevada
• Georgia
• Certification
• Election deniers
• MAGA extremists
• Institutionalize
• Voting laws
• Battleground states

FAQ

Q: What states are experiencing issues with local election officials certifying results?
A: Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Georgia are among the states facing challenges with certification of local election results.

Q: What groups have taken over some local election boards?
A: Some local election boards have been taken over by election deniers and MAGA extremists.

Q: How does the election certification process affect the finality of election results?
A: Votes can be cast and counted, but until they are certified, the election results are not considered final.

Q: What did we learn from the 2020 elections regarding certification?
A: The 2020 elections illustrated that nothing is final until the election results are certified, revealing vulnerabilities in the process.

Q: Are there indications that Republicans may not certify future elections?
A: Yes, there is evidence suggesting that Republicans are prepared to reject certification if election outcomes do not align with their preferences.