Protecting Our Elections: The Importance of New Laws
Many people are worried about attempts to change our elections. But there is a new law that helps protect our democratic process: the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022. This law makes sure that our elections are fair and that every vote counts.
What is the Electoral Count Reform Act?
This law updates how we cast and count electoral votes in presidential elections. It builds on the rules set by the Constitution of the United States. It aims to close gaps that could allow people to disrupt the election process.
Learning from the Past
In 2020, some tried to change the results of the election. They wanted state leaders to ignore the votes or for Congress to reject electoral votes on January 6. Thanks to this new law, those actions will not be possible in 2024.
Who is in Charge of Certifying Votes?
Now, each state’s governor must submit what is called a certificate of ascertainment. If a county does not certify its votes, the governor can order them to do so. If they still refuse, the Secretary of State will take over counting the votes. This means that there will be enough time to make sure all votes are counted correctly before the deadline.
Quick Decisions on Disputes
If someone claims that the electoral count is wrong, a special group of three judges will meet right away in the state capital to decide. If there is an appeal, it goes straight to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Supreme Court must make a decision before the electors meet on December 17 to cast their votes. This was done well in 2020, showing that the court can handle these cases fairly.
New Voting Dates Set by Congress
The law also sets a specific date for electors to meet and vote: the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December. This is the first time Congress has set this date, which helps prevent any last-minute changes to when states submit their votes.
Clarifying the Role of the Vice President
Another important part of this law is that it makes it clear that the Vice President cannot change electoral votes. Their job is only to oversee the counting of the votes, not to decide if they are valid or not.
Counting Votes in Congress
In the past, it was too easy for members of Congress to object to state ballots. Now, it will take at least 20% of both the House and Senate to raise an objection. This makes it harder to disrupt the counting of votes.
Reasons for Objections
The law also limits the reasons for objections. There are only two valid reasons: 1. If the electors were not lawfully certified, or 2. If an elector’s vote was not given properly.
More Information Available
If you want to learn more about this topic, check out the MSNBC podcast *Prosecuting Donald Trump*, specifically the episode titled “Election Security Matters.” It provides great insights into why these changes are important.
Feeling Better About Our Elections
With these new laws, we can feel more secure about our elections. Many loopholes have been closed, making it harder for anyone to deny the results. While we still need to be cautious about potential violence, we can rest easier knowing that our democratic process is better protected.
Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to share this information. It’s important for us to understand how our elections are being safeguarded.
FAQ’s
What is the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022?
The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022 is legislation that revises and adds to the procedures for casting and counting electoral votes in presidential elections, aiming to prevent attempts to overturn election results.
How does this Act address the issues faced during the 2020 election?
The Act closes gaps that were exploited in the 2020 election by establishing clear responsibilities for state governors and limiting the power of individuals to disrupt the certification process.
What changes does the Act make regarding the role of state governors?
Under the new law, state governors are responsible for submitting certificates of ascertainment. If a county fails to certify, the governor can compel them to do so, and if they refuse, the Secretary of State will take over the canvassing process.
What happens if there is a dispute over the electoral count?
If a candidate files a claim regarding falsification of the electoral count, a 3-judge panel will convene in the state capital to rule on the dispute. Appeals go directly to the Supreme Court, which must decide before the electors meet on December 17.
What is the significance of the December 17 date for electors?
This date has been established by Congress for electors to convene and vote, eliminating previous legal loopholes that could delay the submission of state votes.
Can the Vice President change electoral votes under this new law?
No, the law clarifies that the Vice President’s role in counting electoral votes is purely ministerial, meaning they have no authority to alter or adjudicate electoral votes.
What are the new requirements for lodging objections to electoral votes?
Now, it requires 20% of both the House and Senate to lodge an objection to electoral votes from any state, significantly raising the threshold compared to previous elections.
What grounds can be used for objections under the new law?
The grounds for objection are limited to: 1) The electors of a state were not lawfully certified, or 2) An elector’s vote was not “regularly given.”
How does this Act impact the potential for election denial in future elections?
The Act aims to eliminate many of the legal loopholes that allowed for election denial tactics, thereby reducing the likelihood of similar disruptions in future elections.
Where can I find more detailed information about this topic?
You can listen to the MSNBC podcast *Prosecuting Donald Trump*, episode titled “Election Security Matters” for more insights into election security and related legal matters.
Are there concerns about violence related to election disputes despite these reforms?
While many legal loopholes have been closed, there are still concerns about potential violence stemming from election disputes, as political tensions remain high.
What should I take away from the changes brought by this Act?
The key takeaway is that significant reforms have been made to safeguard the electoral process, making it more difficult for election deniers to disrupt the certification of votes.
How can I stay informed about future legislative changes regarding elections?
Staying informed can be achieved through reputable news sources, government websites, and podcasts focused on political and electoral issues.
