The Fight for Democracy: Don't Let Election Deniers Steal Your Vote

By Michael Smith

The Fight for Democracy: Don't Let Election Deniers Steal Your Vote

In a world where misinformation spreads faster than facts (looking at you, Facebook uncles), the upcoming elections are facing an unprecedented threat—election deniers. And no, we're not talking about your conspiracy-loving neighbor who swears by his "news" from the deepest corners of the internet. We're talking about officials in key positions of power in swing states, poised to refuse to certify election results. If they succeed, the very foundation of our democracy could be turned into a sad, soggy mess—like a deflated soufflé at a county fair.

The Looming Threat

Legal whiz Leeja Miller, in a recent video, shed light on a terrifying reality: election deniers have infiltrated key positions in states like Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. These individuals aren't just dabbling in the dark arts of doubt—they're in positions where they can actively wreak havoc. Their refusal to certify results at the county level could prevent entire states from certifying their election results, leading to chaos and potentially invalidating the votes of millions. You thought hanging chads were bad? Just wait.

According to the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), 35 such officials have already refused to certify past election results and are likely to do so again. These aren't just your everyday bureaucrats—they're the mischief-makers lurking in the shadows, ready to toss a wrench into the democratic machine just for fun.

Why This Matters

Before 2020, the idea of not certifying election results was as unheard of as a reality TV star becoming president—oh, wait. Local election officials were just happy-go-lucky folks doing their civic duty, making sure the wheels of democracy turned smoothly. Their job wasn't to question the results or play detective—it was to report them accurately so the state could do its thing. But ever since Trump's 2020 loss, a new, dangerous precedent has been set.

These election deniers have figured out that by sowing doubt at the local level, they can derail the whole process. It's a bit like deciding to mess with the recipe right when the soufflé is supposed to rise. And we all know how that ends.

The Georgia Dilemma

Ah, Georgia—home to peaches, sweet tea, and now, apparently, election deniers with a vendetta. The Georgia State Election Board recently tried to sneak in some new policies that would give partisan poll watchers more power at polling places. Think of it as letting the fox guard the henhouse. This move was as legal as a three-dollar bill because it was done without proper notice to the public and when two non-Trump-aligned members were conveniently "unavailable." But, like a kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar, the board withdrew these rules after being sued by American Oversight, a nonprofit watchdog.

More concerning, though, is the board's approval of a new rule that redefines the certification process. This rule now allows officials to make "reasonable inquiries" into the accuracy of election results. Translation: If you squint hard enough, you can find a problem anywhere—even if it's just that the soufflé isn't quite as fluffy as you'd hoped.

What You Can Do

It's easy to feel like you're up against a horde of undead conspiracy theorists (because, honestly, who has the energy for this nonsense?), but fear not! There are steps you can take to protect democracy and ensure that every vote counts—yes, even Aunt Karen's.

Speak Out: Use your voice on social media, at the dinner table, or while waiting in line at the DMV (because where else do you have more time?). Share information about what's happening in your state and encourage others to stay informed. Contact your state's Secretary of State and ask them to make it clear to election officials that certification is not the time to play amateur Sherlock Holmes.
Volunteer as a Poll Worker: Get involved in the election process—it's like getting a backstage pass to democracy. As a poll worker, you can be on the front lines, ensuring that the certification process is followed correctly and that every vote, from the smallest town to the big city, is counted.
Attend Local Election Board Meetings: Yes, these meetings are boring. So boring, in fact, that they make watching paint dry look like a thrilling pastime. But by attending, you can keep an eye on what's happening and hold officials accountable. Plus, it's a great place to practice your “stern disapproving look.”
Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power, as they say, and knowing how to wield it is half the battle. Familiarize yourself with the election laws in your state and who the officials in charge of certifying results are. The CREW report (linked below) is a great place to start your journey into the murky waters of election integrity.
Vote: Captain Obvious here, but seriously—vote. Despite the attempts to undermine the process, your vote matters. Make sure you're registered, know your polling place, and show up on election day like it’s the biggest event of the year—because it is.

The Bigger Picture

Election denialism is not just some passing fad—it's a well-organized strategy to undermine democracy. By questioning the legitimacy of elections, these deniers hope to erode public trust and create an environment where authoritarian rule isn’t just possible but probable. We cannot let that happen.

In Georgia and across the country, the fight for democracy is in full swing. The recent attempts to undermine the certification process are just one example of the lengths to which these individuals will go. But with vigilance, education, and active participation, we can ensure that every vote is counted and that democracy stands tall—like a well-risen soufflé.

Take Action Now

If you live in one of the states mentioned (we see you, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania), now is the time to get in touch with your Secretary of State. Remind them that certification is not a game of “Guess Who?”—it’s a legal obligation. Here are the links to make that easier for you:

Georgia Secretary of State: https://sos.ga.gov/
Arizona Secretary of State: https://azsos.gov/
Michigan Secretary of State: https://www.michigan.gov/sos
Nevada Secretary of State: https://www.nvsos.gov/
North Carolina Secretary of State: https://www.sosnc.gov/
Pennsylvania Secretary of State: https://www.dos.pa.gov/

For a deeper dive into these issues, check out the CREW report here. It’s a great resource, and unlike election deniers, it’s full of facts.

And if you're still wondering what all the fuss is about, watch the full Leeja Miller video here. It's a no-holds-barred exploration of the current threats to our electoral system and what we can do to counter them.