Investigation finds dozens of election deniers now hold positions overseeing 2024 vote

[cbabe]

https://www.rawstory.com/election-certification/

Investigation finds dozens of election deniers now hold positions overseeing 2024 vote

Travis Gettys
July 29, 2024 12:43PM ET

…

Rolling Stone and American Doom identified at least 70 individuals working as county election officials in swings states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania who questioned the validity of Donald Trump's 2020 election loss or refused to certify results, including at least 22 who refused or delayed the certification of election results in recent years.

“I think we are going to see mass refusals to certify the election,” said Democratic election lawyer Marc Elias. “Everything we are seeing about this election is that the other side is more organized, more ruthless, and more prepared.”

Certification of election results is considered a "ministerial task" required by state and local law, but the former president's lies about his loss nearly four years ago have resulted in Republicans using that process to hear spurious fraud allegations and challenging the rules guiding certification.

“At this moment there are NO guidelines on what is required to certify an election in Georgia,” wrote David Hancock, an election official in Gwinnett County, Georgia, on his Facebook page in late May. “But some of us are working to change that. Stand by.”

… more … throwing sand in the gears …

[Think. Again.]

1. Yep, this time, the coup will happen behind the scenes!

[Sogo]

2. We need to put dozens of poll watchers/election observers in those places.

..

[mzmolly]

3. How State and Local Election Certification Works - Lauren Miller

https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-state-and-local-election-certification-works

. All questions about any suspected fraud or misconduct are typically left to state-designated processes or tribunals that hear election disputes. For this reason, courts refer to certification as a “ministerial” duty, defined as an obligation “involving merely the execution of a set task, and when the law which imposes it prescribes and defines the time, mode an[d] occasion for its performance with such certainty that nothing remains for judgment or discretion.”

In the event that election officials refuse to certify or delay certifying election results, every state certification system includes an enforcement mechanism that generally falls into one of two categories: statutory remedies specific to election certification, or general mandamus remedies that apply broadly to government officials with ministerial duties. Additionally, states may also choose to impose criminal penalties on officials who intentionally refuse to certify results.

Some states with specific statutory remedies allow voters or candidates to sue an official who refuses to certify valid election results. In New Mexico, for example, state law allows any voter to petition a state trial court to order county officials to complete certification. Other states, such as Michigan, allow state election officials to take over certification at the local level if a local official refuses to certify.

[Amaryllis]

4. THis should be its own post. It is very important. Are you able to do that?

[mzmolly]

5. Sure thing!