In a new episode of “Democracy Fix,” Election Protection Intern Jeanne Broome and I sit down with two leaders at the forefront of ensuring election integrity: Tina Barton, a senior election expert at The Election Group, and Zach Wamp, a former congressman and co-chair of Issue One’s National Council on Election Integrity. We discuss the pressing challenges facing elections today, from the erosion of public trust to rampant spread of false information. Our conversation highlights the pivotal role of election officials, law enforcement, and everyday citizens in protecting democracy at a critical moment for the United States.
A Growing Threat to Trust in Elections
The erosion of public trust in election outcomes is one of the most significant threats both Barton and Rep. Wamp emphasize in our conversation. Rep. Wamp bluntly warns that "the greatest threat is the non-acceptance of the outcome," noting that this challenge endangers the very foundation of American democracy: the peaceful transfer of power. He points to the increasing difficulty in accepting election results, drawing a stark contrast to past elections, like the contentious 2000 election, where despite the closeness, power still transferred peacefully.
Barton highlights another dimension of the challenges to election integrity in 2024: the spread of false information from both foreign adversaries and domestic sources, which she describes as "intentionally aimed at causing division and confusion.” Her concerns are not just about misleading narratives influencing voters but also about the safety of election officials. The hostile environment surrounding elections, exacerbated by misinformation, has led to increased threats, harassment, and even violence.
Misinformation and the Role of Social Media
Social media plays a crucial role in spreading misinformation. Rep. Wamp points to a staggering statistic: 17% of adults and 40% of younger Americans get their information from TikTok, a platform rife with unregulated content. He warns: "If information is just bad information, then the freedom of information is the freedom of junk." This flood of misinformation undermines trust in the electoral process, particularly when social media algorithms prioritize sensationalism over truth.
Barton emphasizes the impact of foreign actors using social media to stoke fear and division, often targeting vulnerable groups with misinformation. She describes this as “just as powerful, if not more so, than a full-blown cyberattack.” These threats, both large and subtle, have far-reaching consequences, deepening distrust in election processes and outcomes.
The Federal Government's Role: A Call for Action
Both Barton and Wamp critique the lack of federal action in addressing election security. Rep. Wamp expresses his frustration, calling Congress "negligent" on this issue, stating that election security is largely left to the states despite foreign interference being a federal concern. “The Congress is not there," he says, highlighting how dysfunction in Washington has left election officials on the frontlines with insufficient support.
Strengthening Security for Election Officials
Election officials are facing unprecedented threats. Barton shares her personal experience with receiving death threats and underscores the need for better security measures and protections for election workers. “We’ve been in over 35 states in the last 24 months... bringing election officials and law enforcement to the table,” she says, explaining that election offices are now conducting tabletop exercises and training with law enforcement to prepare for potential threats, including physical attacks on polling stations.
Barton also describes how election offices are enhancing physical security through measures like keycards, security cameras, and vulnerability assessments. These steps are essential in ensuring not just the safety of election officials, but also public confidence in the integrity of the voting process.
Rebuilding Bipartisan Trust
One of the central themes of our discussion is the need to restore bipartisan trust in elections. Rep. Wamp, as a Republican, stresses the importance of reaching across the aisle and finding common ground. He acknowledges that while many claims of election fraud are baseless, rebuilding trust will require concessions on both sides. “You’ve got to give them something to say, ‘Okay, they heard me,’” he argues, suggesting that compromise and transparency are essential for healing the divisions in the country.
Barton echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of Election Day operations. She notes that the election process involves “thousands of Democrats and Republicans coming together” to ensure fairness. She calls it “the most bipartisan thing we do in this country,” a reminder that election workers, regardless of party affiliation, put partisan preferences aside and work hand-in-hand to serve their communities and protect democracy.
Moving Forward
Both Barton and Rep. Wamp leave listeners with a call to action. Wamp urges citizens to remain calm and trust the process, especially in the face of potential delays in election results as mail-in ballots and early votes are tabulated. Barton encourages us to recognize the incredible work being done by election officials across the country to safeguard both the process and the people involved.
In a time of heightened tension and uncertainty, this episode of “Democracy Fix” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trust, security, and collaboration to safeguard elections. As both Barton and Rep. Wamp suggest, the future of America’s democratic institutions depends on the willingness of its citizens and leaders to work together, listen to one another, and, above all, protect the integrity of the electoral process.