Could the biggest election security threat come from the federal government?
Summary
Host Meghna Chakrabarti discusses the escalating threats to U.S. midterm elections with Harvard Law professor Larry Schwartstall. They analyze the Trump administration's unprecedented legal attempts to federalize voter rolls and interfere with state election processes, noting that federal courts have consistently blocked these efforts. The conversation also highlights the physical and digital security measures state officials are implementing to protect against domestic threats and misinformation.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and show introduction
Overview of threats to election officials and processes
Foreign interference and Alaska campaign tactics
Legal analysis of Alaska ballot stacking and DOJ actions
Constitutional limits on federal election administration
Federal courts as a bulwark against executive overreach
Post-election legal risks and state resistance
Sponsor breaks and transition to state officials
State collaboration and tabletop security exercises
Impact of federal cuts on election worker safety and morale
Structural safeguards and the role of norms in democracy
Postal Service rules and voter roll federalization efforts
Corrosive effects of sowing doubt in election integrity
Presidential statements and the plan for federal monitors
Poisoning confidence and the track record of legal challenges
Closing remarks and sponsor previews
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