Dave Roitman: Combating post-election mischief

Based on what he’s said, we know that if Donald Trump loses, he’ll do all he can to block election certification. In 2020, election interference failed. This time they’ve learned from their failures. But we can learn, too, and one lesson is that public pressure can stop election interference in its tracks.

On Nov. 17, 2020, two members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers in Michigan refused to certify Biden’s victory, though Biden received 68% of the votes. But within three hours these two reversed their position. Why? Official pressure: Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell called it “an appalling outrage … these two officials are disregarding the will of the voters. They have politicized certification.”

Jonathan Kinloch, the board’s vice chair, said that “This is reckless and irresponsible action.” Others chimed in. Public pressure. Right after the initial vote, the head of the Detroit NAACP called the two members a “disgrace.” Others accused them of disenfranchising voters. Then, after word spread, protesters with the Metro Detroit Action Council and Progress Michigan gathered outside, demanding certification. The deadlock ended later that evening, as the two members reversed their votes.

So, what can you do to mobilize public pressure to combat election mischief? Simple. Contribute to the Movement Voter Project! You can read their strategy to mobilize public pressure when and where it’s needed here: https://movement.vote/election-protection/. MVP supports the best swing state grass-roots groups, and they’ll know what to do on the ground. They can really use our support … now!

Dave Roitman

Florence