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Election officials and the frontlines of American democracy

What does navigating the 2024 presidential election campaign trail with Trump v. Harris teach us about the state of democracy in the United States?  

By Evelyn Dan Epelle

While former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris dominate news headlines with keen policy priorities and dramatic political rhetoric, the very fabric of American democracy is at stake. It’s election day in the United States, and the spotlight is on the soul of the contest: the efforts of election officials on the frontlines of American democracy.

Historically, election officials have been the unsung heroes of democracy. They oversee the electoral process to ensure free and fair elections. Their role has never been more critical as they grapple with unprecedented challenges in the 2024 cycle, ranging from misinformation to evolving technology and anxious voters.

According to a report by the Brennan Center for Justice, election officials have reported increasing physical and political threats affecting their ability to carry out their duties over the past decade. Notably, on January 6, 2021, a violent mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. This led to security breaches, vandalism, clashes with law enforcement, and the evacuation of Congress members, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.

The events of January 6, 2021, highlighted the vulnerabilities within the U.S electoral system, as election officials were targeted for upholding the integrity of the vote. It serves as a reference point and creates anxiety for election officials who faced increased threats and intimidation that undermined public confidence in the electoral process. There are heightened calls for scrutiny and oversight of election security, causing a diversion of resources from primary responsibilities. With measures like bulletproof glass, drones, snipers, and boulders obstructing election offices, the U.S. democratic system is preparing for potential violent threats in 2024.

Political Polarization in the 2024 U.S election

The 2024 election, widely regarded as a referendum on the future of American democracy, is expected to be a contest not just between Trump and Harris but also between their respective political parties and the ideologies that fuel their supporter bases. Harris represents the Democratic commitment to equity and inclusivity, while Trump appeals to a base that champions populism and nationalism.

The stakes extend beyond policy preferences; they reflect deeper societal divisions exacerbated by the spread of propaganda and misinformation. Throughout the campaign period, there was a growing tendency to demonize the other side’s voters, further poisoning American politics.

In the age of social media, platforms like X (formerly Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, have become battlegrounds for public opinion. The influence of social media on electoral outcomes cannot be overstated. While developing democracies struggle to adapt rapidly to technological changes, which impedes bridging gaps between governments and citizens, technological advancements in developed economies like the U.S. have shown a tendency to support and undermine democratic processes.

A good example is the blurred line between social media platforms and partisan influence. Rebranded as X under Elon Musk’s ownership, Twitter fluxed from a marketplace of ideas into a powerful campaign tool in support of Trump, who was banned for policy violations a few moons ago. In April 2022, shortly after Elon Musk proposed to acquire Twitter, he promised that the platform would maintain political neutrality under his leadership. He stated that achieving public trust would require equally upsetting the far right and far left – a pledge that did not age well.

A Pew Research Center study indicates that approximately 53% of Americans get their news from social media, where misinformation can flourish unchecked. This phenomenon has allowed an influential figure like Elon Musk to manipulate perceptions and sway public opinion, creating a chaotic information environment that challenges the essence of democratic participation.

What’s crucial is the role of the mainstream media in promoting transparency and accountability within democratic institutions, backed by strategies that leverage technology to strengthen democratic processes and counter anti-democratic forces.

Enhancing electoral effectiveness and supporting democratic resilience

As Democrats and Republicans close out their campaigns, election officials prepare to combat the looming threats to electoral integrity. This preparation includes enhanced cybersecurity training, robust communication strategies to counter misinformation, and increased collaboration with federal agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). U.S. election officials and intelligence agencies understand that they must be vigilant and proactive, as their decisions will ultimately influence the electoral process.

Data from the National Association of Secretaries of State indicates that many conservatives are concerned about the integrity of their voter rolls, with several of them reporting attempts to undermine voter confidence in the electoral process. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that his opponents are trying to cheat. The erosion of trust is particularly alarming as Trump and Harris mobilize their bases with increasingly polarized rhetoric. Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud in previous elections continue to reverberate, while Harris emphasizes the importance of protecting voting rights for marginalized communities.

The Electoral College remains a crucial factor in determining the winner of the 2024 election, although the outcome will not be decided solely by voters or the Electoral College. The silent labor of election officials, working diligently behind the scenes, will play a crucial role in safeguarding democracy. They must navigate the complexities of a polarized electorate while ensuring that every vote counts and every voice is heard.

The state of democracy in the United States 

Navigating the 2024 presidential election campaign between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris highlights the deep divisions and challenges within American democracy, from escalating partisan rhetoric to the increasing influence of social media platforms in shaping public opinion. The intense scrutiny over misinformation, election security, and voter access issues reveals both the strengths and vulnerabilities of democratic institutions as they strive to uphold electoral integrity.

This election underscores the critical role of civic trust and the dedication of election officials as they face unprecedented threats, showcasing the need for resilient, transparent, and accountable democratic processes.

A 2022 report from The Brookings Institution finds that American democracy, once a source of national pride, is experiencing a deepening systemic crisis and rapid decline. On the campaign trail, mounting incidents of ballot interference, voter suppression, and heightened security threats underscored the fragile state of American democracy. This crisis is rippling through all aspects of domestic politics, the economy, and society, endangering the legitimacy and stability of capitalism itself.

Already, states are preparing for potential threats, disruption, and danger when members of the Electoral College meet on Dec. 17 across the country. According to a policy expert who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information, “we can expect a series of legal challenges to contest the results of the election.” Donald Trump is readying a series of legal challenges to contest the election results should Kamala Harris win. Kamala Harris (an Attorney) is preparing for a potential post-election legal battle by enlisting lawyers across all states, strategizing various scenarios, and drafting possible legal filings.

Conclusion

As the campaign trail unfolds, it is essential to remember that the election is about more than just the candidates; it reflects the state of American democracy itself. The unseen actors—the election officials—will bear the weight of this responsibility, tasked with maintaining the integrity of the electoral process amid a storm of misinformation and external pressures. The 2024 elections will undoubtedly test the resilience of American democracy.

Evelyn Dan Epelle is KAFTAN TV’s first-ever news correspondent from Washington, D.C. She covers US-African foreign policy, sustainable governance, climate change, and impact investments in Africa.

Email: evelyn.epelle@kaftan.tv 

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