Challenges to Public Trust in Elections
As the United States grapples with the aftermath of the 2020 election, concerns about the integrity of the electoral process have come to the forefront. Panelists at the San Diego Bar Association’s annual Bench/Bar/Media panel highlighted the alarming rise of “poisonous” rhetoric surrounding elections, which has led to a significant decline in public trust. The panel discussion, which featured experts in election law, journalism, and government, shed light on the challenges facing the nation in preserving the credibility of its electoral system.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber set the tone for the event by acknowledging the distressing nature of the current discourse surrounding elections. In a prerecorded video from Sacramento, she emphasized the importance of addressing the erosion of trust in the election process. Weber’s remarks echoed the sentiments shared by the panelists, who all expressed deep concern over the divisive rhetoric that has permeated the political landscape.
One of the key issues highlighted during the panel was the impact of misinformation and disinformation on public perceptions of elections. Benjamin Ginsberg, an expert in election law, pointed to the “poisonous vein” that emerged in the aftermath of the 2020 election, leading to widespread doubts about the legitimacy of the results. Ginsberg, who joined the discussion remotely from Massachusetts, emphasized the need for community leaders to support local election workers in the face of mounting challenges.
Threats to Democracy
Journalist Jim Avila, drawing on his experience covering the 2000 presidential recount in Florida, identified former President Trump and segments of the Republican Party as the primary threats to trust in elections. Avila warned against the dangerous consequences of undermining the electoral process and called for a closer examination of those who pose a threat to democracy. He also highlighted the decline of local journalism as a contributing factor, noting the impact of economic pressures on news outlets’ ability to provide comprehensive coverage of election-related issues.
The role of local election officials in upholding the integrity of the electoral process was underscored by San Diego County Registrar of Voters Cynthia Paes. Paes reassured attendees that local elections are conducted with transparency and security, emphasizing that there is “no systemic evidence” of fraud in San Diego County. She expressed gratitude for the support of the majority of registered voters who continue to place their trust in the electoral system, despite the challenges posed by misinformation and political polarization.
Building Resilience and Trust
In light of the ongoing threats to public trust in elections, the panelists emphasized the importance of community engagement and advocacy in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. Benjamin Ginsberg called on lawyers to stand up for election workers and support initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in local elections. Jim Avila urged journalists to prioritize investigative reporting and fact-checking to combat the spread of misinformation that undermines confidence in the electoral system.
Cynthia Paes highlighted the critical role of local election officials in fostering trust and confidence in the electoral process. By maintaining open lines of communication with voters and stakeholders, election officials can address concerns and dispel myths surrounding elections. Paes stressed the need for ongoing collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, and the media to build resilience against external threats to the electoral system.
As the nation grapples with the fallout from the 2020 election and the persistent challenges to public trust in elections, it is essential for stakeholders across all sectors to work together to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. By promoting transparency, accountability, and civic engagement, communities can build resilience against divisive rhetoric and misinformation that undermine democracy. Only through collective action and a commitment to upholding democratic values can we ensure the preservation of public trust in elections for generations to come.