NYC Gazette

With the 2024 presidential election approaching, concerns about election integrity remain significant among Americans. A recent Pew Research Center poll reveals a partisan divide in confidence levels regarding the fair administration of the election. While 90 percent of Harris supporters express at least some confidence in the electoral process, only 57 percent of Trump voters share this sentiment. Additionally, 52 percent of voters are somewhat confident that the election will be secure from hacking and technological threats, leaving 47 percent uncertain.

In response to fears over potential interference in electoral processes, Congress passed the bipartisan Electoral Count Reform Act in 2022. This legislation aims to update existing laws related to counting and certifying electoral votes. Richard Pildes, Sudler Family Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU and co-author of "The Law of Democracy: Legal Structure of the Political Process," played a key role in developing this law.

Pildes highlighted several paths through which partisan actors might attempt to manipulate the election outcome. He noted concerns about local officials who may refuse to certify results if issues arise and elected officials like secretaries of state and governors who could seek to influence outcomes due to their partisan affiliations. Additionally, there are worries about Congress's involvement in January 2025 during the certification process.

Despite these concerns, Pildes emphasized that many institutional and legal safeguards exist within the electoral system but acknowledged significant political constraints. The Election Count Reform Act adds protections against rogue governors and addresses concerns about legislatures' roles in certification processes.

Pildes explained that efforts have been made by election administrators to enhance transparency and educate citizens about the electoral process. He expressed hope that leaders would counter rumors and fear-mongering by explaining how the process works.

Regarding potential actions by those seeking to overturn results post-election, Pildes warned that close outcomes might lead to litigation or attempts by partisan actors to manipulate results, potentially eroding public confidence. However, he believes security measures are in place to prevent illegitimate manipulation.

Voters living in pivotal states can support nonpartisan election certification by exerting public opinion pressure on officials facing illegitimate challenges. Pildes also addressed voter concerns about potential chaos if results are delayed due to close contests, stressing that while interference attempts might occur, they are unlikely to succeed.

Election administrators continue efforts toward openness and transparency while educating communities on electoral processes. Pildes hopes leaders will clarify these processes amid widespread suspicion.