The Real Story Behind the GOP's Election Ploy
Unraveling the Tactics and Their Impact
In the lead up to an election, political parties strategize to gain an advantage and secure victory. Sometimes, these strategies can cross ethical boundaries, and one such tactic employed by the Republican Party in the past has been the use of election security as a campaign tool. By questioning the integrity of the electoral process and suggesting the potential for voter fraud, the GOP has attempted to influence the outcome of elections and suppress voter turnout. This approach has a history, particularly in targeting minority voters, and it's important to understand the implications and consequences of such actions.
The National Ballot Security Task Force (BSTF), founded in 1981 in New Jersey, was one of the earliest examples of this strategy. The group, established by the Republican National Committee (RNC), aimed to discourage voter turnout among likely Democratic voters in the gubernatorial election. They sent letters to primarily Latino and African-American citizens, and those whose letters were returned as non-deliverable were added to a list of voters to be challenged at the polls, a practice known as "voter caging." On election day, the BSTF deployed armed, off-duty police officers to patrol polling sites in minority neighborhoods, intimidating and blocking prospective voters. This resulted in a close victory for the Republican candidate, Thomas Kean, who won by fewer than 1,800 votes.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) took legal action, alleging violations of the Voting Rights Act, illegal harassment, and voter intimidation. A consent decree was signed in 1982, barring the RNC from engaging in such conduct. However, the GOP repeatedly attempted to lift the consent decree, and it eventually expired in 2017. This set the stage for similar tactics to be employed in subsequent elections, including the 2020 presidential race.
During the 2020 election, President Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to act as poll watchers, stating, "I am urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully because that is what has to happen." This evoked memories of past voter intimidation tactics and raised concerns among civil rights activists. The expiration of the consent decree meant that Republicans could more freely engage in such activities without legal repercussions.
The impact of these tactics extended beyond the polling places. The GOP also challenged the results of the 2020 election, making baseless claims of widespread voter fraud and attempting to overturn the results. This led to a wave of GOP-driven reviews of the vote count, often conducted by uncredentialed and partisan individuals or companies. These so-called "audits" further undermined faith in the electoral process and created new security threats, as voting equipment and software were compromised.
The consequences of using election security as a campaign tactic are significant. It undermines trust in the democratic process, disenfranchises voters, and can lead to political polarization. It's important for voters to be aware of these tactics and for election officials to implement measures to protect the integrity of elections and ensure that every eligible voter has an equal opportunity to cast their ballot without fear or intimidation.
The Impact and Takeaways
The GOP's use of election security as a campaign tactic has had significant consequences, and it's important to reflect on the impact it has had on the electoral process and voter trust. The strategy of questioning election integrity and suggesting voter fraud has been employed by the Republican Party in various forms over the years, and it's crucial to examine how it affects our democracy.
Impact on Voter Trust
The primary consequence of using election security as a political tactic is the erosion of trust in the electoral process. When a political party sows doubt about the integrity of elections, it undermines public confidence in the democratic system. Voters may become skeptical of the results, believing that their votes don't matter or that the outcome is predetermined. This can lead to voter apathy, decreased voter turnout, and a general sense of cynicism toward democracy.
Additionally, when a party repeatedly claims fraud without providing substantial evidence, it conditions its supporters to question the legitimacy of any election that doesn't go in their favor. This creates a dangerous environment where losing an election is framed as evidence of fraud rather than a reflection of the will of the people. It fosters an "us vs. them" mentality, further polarizing an already divided nation.
Disenfranchisement of Minorities
The tactics employed by the GOP, such as voter caging and poll watching, have often targeted minority voters, particularly in communities of color. This has a disenfranchising effect, making it more difficult for these communities to exercise their right to vote. The presence of armed poll watchers or voter intimidation tactics creates an atmosphere of fear and discourages participation in the electoral process.
By targeting specific demographic groups, the GOP's tactics contribute to the systemic disenfranchisement of minority voters, who already face barriers to voting due to discriminatory laws and practices. This further marginalizes these communities and undermines the principle of equal representation in our democracy.
Damage to the Republican Party's Image
The use of election security as a campaign tactic has also had repercussions for the Republican Party itself. While it may have been a short-term strategy to gain political advantage, it has damaged the party's reputation in the long run. The repeated and unfounded claims of fraud have led many to view the GOP as a party that prioritizes power over democratic principles.
This perception has driven away moderate voters and created divisions within the party itself, with some Republican officials and elected representatives publicly rebuking these tactics. The party's association with voter suppression and intimidation tactics has made it more challenging to attract a broader base of supporters and has contributed to a negative public image.
Strengthening Election Security
One positive outcome of the GOP's tactics is the increased focus on election security and the implementation of additional safeguards. Election officials, recognizing the potential for manipulation, have worked to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process. This includes enhancing cybersecurity measures, improving voter registration list maintenance, and establishing robust auditing and certification procedures.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have played crucial roles in assisting state and local election officials in securing election infrastructure. The implementation of security measures ensures that voters can have confidence in the integrity of their elections, even if malicious actors attempt to spread disinformation or engage in voter suppression tactics.
Final Thoughts
While the GOP's use of election security as a campaign tactic may have had short-term gains for the party, the long-term consequences are far-reaching. It has contributed to a decline in trust in democratic institutions, particularly among supporters of the party. Additionally, it has further disenfranchised minority voters and damaged the Republican Party's image, creating internal divisions and driving away moderate voters.
However, the silver lining is the increased attention to election security and the implementation of robust safeguards to protect the integrity of our elections. Moving forward, it's crucial to continue strengthening election infrastructure and promoting voter education to counter the effects of disinformation campaigns and voter suppression tactics.
Further Insights
For those seeking additional insights and context, the following resources provide valuable information on election security, voter suppression tactics, and the impact of disinformation campaigns: