Voters drop off paper ballots in an Election Day snowstorm.
Concerns for the election
Editor:
After the 2020 election, some Republican officials, primarily election deniers, were involved in efforts to disrupt the certification of the election results by refusing to certify them. GOP officials in several states were pressured not to certify the election results, which would cast doubt on the results.
In the 2022 midterm elections, nearly a dozen counties across a number of states refused or delayed certification of results with unfounded claims of fraud or other irregularities.
Recently, the Washoe County Commission in Reno made headlines by refusing to certify the results of two local recounts from the June primary elections. In the 3-2 decision, there were insignificant changes from the initial results, but three Republican commissioners voted against certification, stating that they were concerned about election integrity and administrative mistakes. This decision was later reversed after pressure and the threat of legal action.
Nevada’s Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar, and Attorney General Aaron Ford, filed a petition with the Nevada Supreme Court seeking a legal mandate to confirm the obligation of county commissioners to certify election results. They argued that failing to certify could set a dangerous precedent and undermine voter confidence. It’s uncertain as to when the Supreme Court will make a decision in this case.
There are growing concerns about the upcoming 2024 elections that these tactics will become more widespread and organized. There are reports that Republican officials in various states are being encouraged to refuse certification regardless of actual election outcomes. This includes pushing for new rules and laws that would make it easier for local officials to block certification.
In the case of Washoe County, the Secretary of State emphasized that the certification process is a ministerial duty, meaning county commissioners must certify the vote as long as the proper procedures have been followed and there is no evidence of fraud or significant error.
If officials at the county or state level refuse to certify election results, it could lead to chaos. This could delay the certification of state and federal election results, possibly throwing the results into question and leading to legal battles. The ultimate risk is undermining our democratic process and the peaceful transfer of power.
Beth Mancl
Genoa
Beware Project 2025
Editor:
Beware of the Republican plan called Project 2025. Why? Trump pledged to overturn the national right to abortion in 2016 using far right conservative judicial appointees and he was successful. Now let’s see what is planned in 2025 if Trump wins: the plan is called Project 2025, written by members of the Heritage Foundation.
The Heritage Foundation is an anti-reproductive rights, ultra-conservative group with close ties to Trump. Many, many of their members worked in high positions in the Trump Administration. They held over 137 positions. Project 2025 and the Heritage Foundation advocate ultra conservative values that would take our society back to the cultural norms of years ago when women weren’t allowed to work outside of the home.
Here are just a few of the changes Project 2025 plans to put into effect if Trump is elected:
Trump and his Heritage Foundation plan a national ban on abortion: With Roe V. Wade overturned, it is up to each individual state to determine abortion policy. Nevada law protects the right for women to choose. In addition, there will be an amendment to Nevada’s constitution protecting abortion rights on this November ballot (please vote yes). But a national abortion ban would override our state constitution and law. Abortion would be outlawed in Nevada under Trump and Project 2025.
If Trump and his Heritage Foundation cannot get a national abortion ban passed in congress they will use the federal government to ban abortion in all 50 states. They plan to ban the interstate shipping of medical abortion pills and the medical equipment doctors use to perform abortions, effectively ending the procedure nationwide.
There are many other harmful proposals in Project 2025. If Trump is elected, they plan to eliminate Biden’s $35 cap on insulin – which saves Nevadans thousands of dollars. They plan to end Medicare’s ability to negotiate the price of prescription drugs, costing millions to the federal government and putting money in the pocket of large pharmaceutical companies. Another Project 2025 plan is to give employers options to limit paying overtime to employees. Tax cuts will be given to billionaires while the middle class will pay more than their fair share. Research Project 2025 on the internet to find out more. I can remember my old conservative, independent minded dad saying, “I’m not going to let the church ladies run my life.” My dad was right, and we shouldn’t let the Heritage Foundation and their deal with Donald Trump dictate our lives either. Vote against these policies by voting against Donald Trump. Vote for the Democrat or we will all be sorry.
Gail Scott
Genoa
