How Donald Trump is Preparing to Contest the 2024 Election Results
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Donald Trump is once again setting the stage to challenge the legitimacy of the upcoming 2024 election, echoing his controversial claims from 2020. Using familiar tactics, Trump and his high-profile supporters are spreading allegations that the election is “rigged,” priming his base to question the outcome if he doesn’t win.
Throughout his campaign, Trump has leveled accusations against Democrats, suggesting they are "cheating" and distorting isolated issues with voting processes. His allegations span several themes: Trump has asserted, without evidence, that noncitizen voting is rampant, that military and overseas ballots lack verification, and that early voting is exploited for fraud. He's also cast doubt on mail-in ballots, even while urging his own supporters to use them.
Most significantly, Trump has alleged that the only way Vice President Kamala Harris could win is through "cheating." These accusations remain unfounded, according to election experts.
“It’s troubling that Trump sees undermining faith in American elections as his pathway to the White House,” said Ben Ginsberg, a seasoned Republican campaign attorney and CNN contributor. He noted that the 2024 rhetoric mirrors Trump’s 2020 strategy, casting baseless doubt on the election system.
The 2020 election saw Trump contesting the outcome for weeks following his narrow loss. With polls suggesting a tight race across seven battleground states, election officials are now bracing for a new wave of misinformation if the 2024 race hinges on the results from just a few hundred ballots in critical states.
Despite Trump's claims, election experts assure that most voters will have a smooth voting experience, whether they choose early voting, vote-by-mail, or vote in person on Election Day. Voter fraud remains rare, and safeguards within the voting process ensure security, according to nonpartisan analysts.
With early voting now in progress, state and local officials are proactively countering misinformation as it circulates online. Misinformation, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has spread quickly, with even Elon Musk, CEO of X, reportedly pouring millions into amplifying Trump’s campaign. Officials warn, however, that they are struggling to contain the flood of election-related falsehoods.
“It’s crucial to remind Americans that they are the ones who decide election outcomes,” said Justin Levitt, an election law expert and CNN contributor. “There’s a lot of noise, but if the margin is more than a few hundred votes, it won’t matter.” Levitt alluded to the infamous 537-vote margin in Florida during the disputed 2000 election.
Election officials are focused on providing a fair and transparent voting process despite the challenges presented by viral misinformation. As the 2024 election approaches, they remain vigilant, working to preserve public trust in a system under intense scrutiny.