Are We Able To Have Trustworthy Elections?

/in /by

I attended the Braver Angel WNC Town Hall, a significant event that was based on the Braver Angels Trustworthy Elections Report, a comprehensive and credible resource on Restoring Trust in Our Elections.

The Town Hall began with an overview of the report. Then, we broke into seven small groups, each discussing one of the seven election topics.

1. Fair and Equal Access to Voting

2. Verifiable Voter Identity and Eligibility

3. Transparency and Accountability

4. Redistricting – Gerrymandering

5. Confidence in Vote Counting

6. Safety and Security in the Elections Process

7. Peaceful Transfer of Power

At my table, we discussed the Peaceful Transfer of Power. Conservatives, liberals, and independents agreed with the three solutions offered: 

– All candidates and citizens are encouraged to sign Team Democracy’s Safe and Fair Elections Pledge.

– Political parties should include a plank in their platforms that asks their supporters to take and honor the pledge.

– No state legislature or elected or appointed (non-judicial) official should be able to overturn election results. In 2023, the Supreme Court affirmed this position, rejecting the “independent state legislature” theory (Moore v. Harper).

We had concerns about media bias and coverage (or lack thereof). For factual news, it was suggested that we go to news sources 1440.com and Ground News.

Each table shared a summary of their discussion with the whole Town Hall and took questions.

We then decided which election topic Braver Angels should focus on in the coming year.

You can see the results in the photo below.

Joining Braver Angels is an opportunity to be part of healthy, safe conversations on difficult topics. I encourage you to consider becoming a member and contributing to our mission.