The Evolution of the Election Integrity Movement

The unfounded narrative of a stolen election, which incited hundreds of individuals to storm the U.S. Capitol in January 2021, has since transformed into a more organized and sophisticated movement. What began as the Stop the Steal initiative has now evolved into the so-called “voter integrity” movement. This new wave seeks to convince local and state election boards across the nation that widespread electoral fraud poses a serious threat to democracy, thus empowering them to take drastic actions, including the denial of certification for local elections.

Key Insights from the Investigation

Here are some critical takeaways from an in-depth magazine investigation into the individuals positioning themselves to challenge election certification:

• Conspiracy Theories Gaining Traction:

  Many election officials in several battleground states express a concerning belief that the electoral system is fundamentally rigged. Engaging with these officials revealed that actions aimed at blocking election certification are not strictly partisan maneuvers; instead, they are viewed by many as a patriotic obligation. Even when these actions tread into illegal territory, numerous individuals feel compelled to adhere to what they perceive as a higher moral law. Throughout the reporting process, this sentiment emerged repeatedly. Despite the skepticism surrounding efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, officials are often driven by a profound conviction that a grand conspiracy is afoot.

• Deniers Ascending to Key Positions:

  The post-2020 “voter integrity” movement boasts a variety of leaders and organizations, but one of the most influential figures is Cleta Mitchell. Having played a crucial role in Trump’s campaign to overturn his defeat in Georgia, Mitchell has galvanized her supporters through her Election Integrity Network. She passionately encourages allies to engage in election oversight at both state and local levels, declaring, “We are going to retake our election system,” and emphasizing a strategy of “one county at a time all over America.” Once these individuals secure positions on local election boards and commissions, they can initiate significant changes to voting regulations or strategically delay the certification process, ultimately creating chaos in the electoral landscape.