Concerns Over a Peaceful Transfer of Power and Election Integrity
Linda Szynkowicz from FightVoterFraud.org and Dave Brat discussed pressing concerns about the upcoming U.S. election. The conversation revolved around issues of voter integrity, challenges in voting systems, and the erosion of the traditional peaceful transfer of power in America. These concerns highlight the increasing tensions leading up to Election Day and the importance of maintaining democratic norms. Here’s a breakdown of the discussion.
Resource: ‘Nothing less than a miracle’: The Constitution and the peaceful transition of power
Early Voting and Maricopa County’s Voting Challenges
Szynkowicz began by addressing the logistical issues in Maricopa County, Arizona. With over 2.4 million voters, long lines and ballot complexity are significant concerns. She emphasized that voting early is crucial to avoid delays on Election Day, pointing out that it takes around 15 minutes per person to vote due to the lengthy ballots, which include 79 contests and multiple judicial candidates. She urged voters to mobilize their communities and ensure that their friends, neighbors, and church members vote early.
Trust in Mail-In Voting is Low
Szynkowicz referenced a survey from Punchbowl News indicating that 59% of respondents believe that voting by mail makes cheating easier. The widespread distrust in the voting process underscores a critical issue affecting voter confidence. Additionally, she noted that 79% of likely voters blame the media for inciting political violence, reflecting a deep-seated mistrust in how elections are portrayed.
Concerns Over Potential Violence
Regardless of the outcome, the discussion also delved into fears of post-election violence. Szynkowicz highlighted that both sides expect unrest: 47% believe violence is likely if Trump wins, while 26% think the same if Kamala Harris were to become Vice President. These concerns highlight the absence of faith in a peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of American democracy.
Overseas Ballots and Voter Eligibility Controversies
One of the most contentious points raised was the issue of overseas ballots. Szynkowicz explained that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) recently pushed to register 9 million overseas voters, although only 2.8 million are eligible. This discrepancy raises concerns over potential fraud, as overseas voters have no stringent identification requirements. Additionally, the registration drive’s loose requirements could lead to non-U.S. citizens casting votes in critical swing states. She cited ongoing challenges in states like Minnesota and North Carolina over allowing non-residents to vote.
Illegal Voters and State-Level Challenges
Another significant focus was the challenge of preventing illegal immigrants from voting. Szynkowicz shared that whistleblowers in Connecticut have revealed efforts to register undocumented individuals by bypassing standard identification protocols. She emphasized that this undermines the integrity of elections and pointed out the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) actions against states attempting to remove ineligible voters from their rolls, which she described as a "ridiculous” overreach. According to Szynkowicz, federal laws like the National Voter Registration Act don’t prohibit removing illegal voters, despite DOJ lawsuits.
Simple Solutions for Election Integrity
Szynkowicz argued that restoring election integrity is achievable with simple measures: utilizing machines with paper ballot backups and cross-checking these with state voter rolls. Despite this straightforward approach, she is frustrated that certain parties resist such changes. This resistance, she claimed, contributes to ongoing fears over election fairness and a departure from traditional norms of democracy.
A Call to Activism: Mobilizing Voters
The conversation concluded with a strong call to action. Szynkowicz urged citizens to mobilize their communities, reach out to their social networks, and emphasize the importance of voting. She stressed that "We the People” are the true sovereigns in America, and it’s crucial to play an active role in the democratic process. Her emphasis on grassroots activism reflects a desire to reclaim a sense of control over electoral outcomes.
Why the Peaceful Transfer of Power Matters
The erosion of the peaceful transfer of power—a principle rooted in American history—is a central theme of Szynkowicz’s concerns. Traditionally, this concept has been a hallmark of stable democracies, demonstrating that electoral outcomes are respected even amidst political differences. The current atmosphere, however, threatens this tradition. Fears of violence, allegations of fraud, and distrust in media narratives indicate a critical juncture for the U.S. Maintaining faith in the electoral system is not just about winning or losing; it’s about preserving the democratic fabric of the nation.
The discussion between Szynkowicz and Brat underscores the importance of vigilance in the electoral process. With days to go before the general election, the stakes are high, and the concerns over fair voting, media influence, and the legitimacy of results reflect a broader anxiety about the future of American democracy. The call for robust, transparent elections and adherence to democratic norms is more relevant now than ever.
More of our coverage of Linda Szynkowicz:
[PASS THIS AROUND]-Don’t Risk Your American Dream: How Illegal Voting Could Destroy Your Future
Loopholes in Voter ID Laws in Battlegrounds Threaten Fair Elections: Simple Steps to Crush Them
For more context on Szynkowicz’s Thursday comments:
