In a recent town hall event, GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis discussed former President Trump’s legal issues and shed light on what the 2024 election should focus on. Meanwhile, House Republicans are taking action to strengthen U.S. election security by rolling out a comprehensive “tool kit” for states. Led by Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., the Committee on House Administration is introducing the Uniform State American Confidence in Elections Act, a package of recommended legislation aimed at increasing voter confidence.
The timing of this initiative is crucial, as the 2024 Republican Iowa caucuses on Jan. 15 mark the first big test of the election cycle. Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., chair of the subcommittee on elections, emphasized the importance of Americans feeling secure in their elections and highlighted the compilation of crucial election integrity measures into model state legislation.
It is important to note that these legislative recommendations are not mandatory bills but rather a practical framework based on successful election integrity measures implemented in various states. The recommendations include implementing voter ID requirements, banning ballot harvesting, stopping noncitizens from voting, and advocating for the prohibition of private funding in elections.
The issue of private funding in elections gained attention during the 2020 race, with Republicans expressing concerns about grants distributed to local election offices by nonprofits linked to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan. The new bills aim to address these concerns and ensure that the election process remains free from external influences.
While House Republicans are taking proactive steps to strengthen election security, some Democrat-run cities, such as Washington, D.C., and New York City, have attempted to pass laws allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. However, these efforts have faced legal challenges in court.
It is worth noting that Democrats have generally opposed GOP election security efforts, accusing Republicans of trying to suppress voter turnout. Nevertheless, data from Georgia shows that voter turnout actually increased between 2020 and 2022, despite the state’s implementation of stronger voter ID requirements for mail-in ballots and restrictions on distributing food and drink to voters waiting in line.
The new bills introduced by House Republicans are not expected to receive significant support from Democrats. However, it is crucial to prioritize the integrity of the electoral process and ensure voter confidence. The recommendations put forth by Republicans aim to achieve these goals and provide states with a practical framework to strengthen election security.
Elizabeth Elkind, a reporter for Digital, who specializes in Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics, contributed to this article. For more updates from the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews, subscribe to our newsletter.
