As the 2024 election approaches, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has been actively filing election-related lawsuits in nearly half of the states. These lawsuits, part of a broader strategy targeting various aspects of voting and election administration, have become a significant focus for the party. The RNC, under the influence of former President Trump, has intensified its legal maneuvering, utilizing lawsuits for campaign messaging, fundraising, and casting doubts on the election's validity.
The RNC's legal efforts have drawn criticism from Democrats and legal experts who warn about potential negative impacts on election officials and voter confidence. In response, the Democratic National Committee has established a robust voter protection operation to counter the GOP's initiatives aimed at restricting poll access.
Recent lawsuits by the RNC have targeted voter ID rules, mail ballots, and voter roll maintenance. For instance, a lawsuit in Michigan alleges that the state has failed to keep its voter rolls updated, a claim disputed by opponents who argue that the lawsuit relies on flawed data and could lead to the purging of legitimate voters.
Experts note that election litigation has become a common feature of both parties' political strategies, with the RNC involved in over 80 lawsuits across 23 states in the current election cycle. The RNC's legal team has been particularly active since the lifting of a federal consent decree in 2018, which had restricted the party's ability to challenge voter verification and ballot security.
While many of these lawsuits may not succeed in court, they serve as fundraising tools and keep election integrity issues in the spotlight. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for these legal actions to sow doubt about the validity of future elections and disrupt the certification process.
Overall, the RNC's focus on election-related litigation reflects a broader shift within the organization towards prioritizing 'election integrity,' with dedicated resources and personnel allocated to this effort. As the legal battles continue, the impact on the electoral landscape and public perception remains a subject of ongoing debate.
