Former tax law professor David Clements recently conducted a training session in a Long Island warehouse, where he instructed a crowd of 30 people on how to take over public meetings if their election concerns are not addressed seriously. Since the 2020 election, conspiracy theorists, backed by ex-President Donald Trump, have been striving to prove election fraud. This has led to the development of a nationwide “election integrity” infrastructure aimed at challenging future election results. Right-wing activists and Trump allies have been organizing meetings across the country to train community activists to collect evidence of fraud or pressure local election officials not to certify results.
Local activists receive training based on debunked claims and conspiracy theories, with the aim of influencing election outcomes through lawsuits or pressuring officials. The training often includes strategies to question voter rolls, petition for hand-counting of ballots, and file reports as poll watchers. Key figures in this movement include Mike Lindell, David Clements, and Cleta Mitchell, each focusing on different aspects of election integrity.
These efforts have resulted in some successes, such as changes to election rules in states like Georgia. However, county-level officials are facing increased pressure from activists to refuse certification or alter election results. While these activists frame their work as a battle for democracy, experts believe their efforts may not be enough to alter election outcomes. The movement has gained momentum over the past four years and is now better organized and funded, prompting concerns about potential challenges to the results of the 2024 election.
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