The 2020 Election Was Historic In Many Ways

The 2020 Election Was Historic In Many Ways It Was The Largest Overa

The 2020 election was a historic event in numerous respects, marked by record-breaking voter turnout, increased access to voting, and the implementation of new protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these positive developments, confidence in the electoral process plummeted post-election, partly fueled by former President Donald Trump’s claims that the election was "stolen" and the subsequent wave of lawsuits filed by his team. These claims and legal challenges led to widespread skepticism, making trust in the integrity of the electoral system a major concern. Furthermore, media coverage depicted long lines of voters, especially in historically marginalized communities, highlighting ongoing issues with voter suppression. Such images underscored the disparities in voting access, which continue to shape debates on electoral reforms.

In the wake of these issues, election reform emerged as a vital topic. However, the challenge lies in balancing security with accessibility. Measures like strict voter ID laws, such as in Texas where a birth certificate is required to obtain a driver’s license, can hinder voter participation, particularly in underserved communities. Texas, in fact, experiences one of the lowest voter turnout rates due to these restrictions, compounded by limited locations for obtaining identification owing to underfunded social services. Conversely, loosening voting regulations could invite exploitation by malicious actors, increasing risks of voter fraud or irregularities.

Given these complexities, I believe fundamental election reform is essential in the United States. As The Hill reports, election security remains a pivotal concern, especially considering foreign interference efforts. Since the 2016 presidential election, when Russian actors launched a campaign of hacking and disinformation, safeguarding elections from external threats has become a top priority. Evidence of ongoing foreign attempts was further highlighted in October 2020 when U.S. officials disclosed Iran and Russia’s efforts to interfere in the election through spoofed intimidation emails (The Hill, 2020). These external influences undermine public trust and threaten the legitimacy of the democratic process.

One critical area requiring reform is the transparency and security of the election infrastructure. As Mark Warner emphasized, the issue transcends partisan politics; it involves protecting democratic institutions from external manipulation. Enhancing cybersecurity measures, establishing resilient voting systems, and ensuring transparent auditing processes are vital steps. Additionally, addressing political polarization is crucial for fostering public confidence. A divided government can serve as a vulnerability, making it easier for adversaries to exploit divisions for sabotage purposes. Strengthening bipartisan cooperation and promoting civic education can help mitigate this risk.

In conclusion, the vulnerabilities exposed during and after the 2020 election demonstrate the urgent need for comprehensive electoral reform. This should encompass improving voting accessibility for all citizens while simultaneously fortifying cyber defenses and transparency measures to safeguard against foreign interference. Only through balanced, well-structured reforms can the United States uphold the integrity of its electoral system and restore public confidence in democracy.

References

• The Hill. (2020). U.S. officials say Iran, Russia seeking to interfere with 2020 election. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/519470-us-officials-say-iran-russia-seeking-to-interfere-with-2020-election
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