A substantial number of U.S. election-related lawsuits are currently being processed in courts across the country, with more than 160 cases already in progress. The lawsuits cover a wide range of topics, including voter eligibility, ballot casting and counting, election security, and alleged voter fraud. Legal analysts believe that despite the high volume of lawsuits, they are unlikely to have a significant impact on the outcome of the 2024 election. The nature of the claims is considered typical for a presidential election, with similar situations occurring in past races.
The most high-profile lawsuits are concentrated in seven battleground states – Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These states collectively hold 93 electoral votes and are expected to play a pivotal role in determining the election results. While the close race and multitude of legal challenges may raise concerns about potential disenfranchisement and doubts over voting results, experts believe these fears are unfounded. Pre-election challenges rarely have a substantial impact on the actual election outcomes, according to George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley.
The practice of filing pre-election lawsuits has become a common strategy for political parties to set the stage for post-election legal battles and shape the narrative surrounding the election. The trend of escalating legal battles before the election has been observed in previous presidential races, with the number of lawsuits increasing in recent years. The legal system prefers to address these issues before the election to avoid being perceived as influencing the outcome. Judges aim to resolve election-related disputes quickly and impartially to ensure fairness in the electoral process.
Following the 2020 election, former President Trump’s campaign filed numerous lawsuits challenging election results in several swing states. While the sheer volume of lawsuits was unprecedented, experts explain that challenging election results through legal means is a common practice. Early filing of court cases benefits lawyers and judges due to the tight timeline between elections, state certifications, and Inauguration Day. Judges prefer to address election-related matters in advance to prevent post-election chaos and ensure a smooth transition of power.
Andrew McCarthy, a former U.S. assistant attorney general, emphasizes the importance of resolving election-related disputes before voting takes place. The goal is to establish clear rules and guidelines for the election process to prevent confusion and ensure that the legal system operates as intended. By litigating these issues before the election, courts can uphold the integrity of the electoral process and avoid contentious legal battles post-election. The early wave of court filings serves to streamline the legal process and provide clarity on election procedures.
Overall, despite the significant number of election-related lawsuits currently underway, experts believe that the legal challenges are part of standard practice during modern presidential elections. While the lawsuits may generate buzz and speculation, they are not expected to sway the election results. The legal system aims to address these disputes efficiently and fairly to uphold the democratic process and ensure confidence in the electoral outcome. As the election season progresses, courts will continue to play a crucial role in resolving disputes and upholding the rule of law.
