Top Points:
Prolonged Vote-Counting Delays Undermine Trust: Matt Schlapp criticized the U.S. for taking multiple days or even weeks to count and verify election results, arguing that this prolonged process erodes public trust and is an "embarrassment" compared to other countries that complete counts within hours.
Need for Election Reforms and Standardization: Schlapp advocated for reforms to streamline and standardize the vote-counting process across states, suggesting that improved technology and consistency could speed up results and ensure greater transparency.
Election Delays Fuel Distrust and Suspicions: Schlapp warned that extended vote-counting periods open the door for skepticism about the election's integrity, as delays can be exploited to cast doubt on outcomes, leading to further distrust in the democratic process.
Full Report:
In a recent appearance on Newsmax, Matt Schlapp, Chairman of the American Conservative Union, sharply criticized the prolonged vote-counting processes in many U.S. counties and states, arguing that the extended delays undermine trust in the electoral system. Schlapp highlighted how several other countries manage to complete their vote counts within a single day, asserting that the United States—often regarded as the world's foremost democracy—should follow suit.
Schlapp emphasized the need for greater transparency and efficiency, especially given the advancements in technology that should make vote tallying more streamlined. “It’s an embarrassment,” Schlapp stated, pointing to nations such as France and Canada, which have historically completed their election processes in a matter of hours. According to Schlapp, American citizens deserve a process that delivers clear, verified results promptly rather than prolonged uncertainty.
Schlapp argued that the current delays fuel skepticism among voters and contribute to a growing distrust of electoral integrity. “Why should it take days or even weeks for results to be finalized in the U.S. when other countries manage to count votes within hours?” he questioned. Schlapp went on to criticize the bureaucratic hurdles and inconsistent standards across states, suggesting that part of the issue lies in decentralized and often outdated voting infrastructures.
Schlapp's remarks resonate with widespread frustrations expressed by Americans following recent elections where days passed before winners were declared. He called on lawmakers to prioritize election reforms that would reduce vote-counting delays, advocating for nationwide consistency in election procedures while respecting states' rights to manage their elections.
Schlapp also underscored how prolonged counting can be exploited to cast doubt on outcomes.
"When it takes days to know who won, people lose confidence in the process itself," he argued. Schlapp believes that election administrators should take steps to eliminate these vulnerabilities by investing in technology and ensuring all polling stations adhere to similar counting standards.
The discussion on Newsmax highlighted concerns surrounding American election integrity, a topic that has been increasingly scrutinized in recent years. Schlapp’s call for reform aligns with a growing push among conservative leaders for a more accountable and transparent election system.
References: Newsmax, "Matt Schlapp Criticizes Election Delays in the U.S.," Newsmax TV, 2024.