Election Integrity

As one of the most divisive presidential campaigns draws to a close, it is increasingly clear that this unique race is challenging far more than our understanding of conventional campaign strategies and traditional party loyalties. With threats of state sponsored cyber-hacks, allegations of rigging, and the perceived vulnerability of networked-based voting systems, significant doubts are being raised concerning the American electoral process itself. In combination, this could pose a significant threat to the legitimacy and foundation of American democracy.

For this reason, the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program, in cooperation with the Election Verification Network, is hosting a lunchtime panel to discuss how American election results are verified and to understand, before the election, what does and does not threaten the electoral process. What are vulnerabilities of the American voting system? What processes are in place so that the American people know that votes reported are in fact the votes that were cast? What are some of the efforts taking place across various groups—government, citizens and media—to help secure the legitimacy of the electoral process?

Join the conversation at: @aspencs

Panelists:

John P. Carlin, Assistant Attorney General, United States Department of Justice

Edgardo Cortés, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Elections

Susannah Goodman, Director of Voting Integrity, Common Cause

Trevor Potter, Caplin & Drysdale; former Chairman, Federal Election Commission

Moderated by:
David Sanger, Chief Washington Correspondent, The New York Times