ICYMI, Kathy Boockvar recently joined Tina Johnson on her podcast, Let’s Talk Democracy, to discuss election security and participation in our democracy. Throughout the episode, Boockvar and Johnson unpack what makes our election system so strong, the threats and challenges we are confronting today, and the importance of having impactful and meaningful conversations about elections – even with people you may not agree with.
Boockvar highlights the 3 key factors that ensure that our decentralized system of elections is secure and accurate: the people, the science, and the math of elections. The people who run our elections are our local neighbors working around the clock and in bi-partisan teams, to ensure each of us can exercise our fundamental right to vote. The science of the systems and processes that are stringently followed and have been in place for years, strengthened over time. The math behind the counting, reconciling, and auditing of the votes. These keystones of our elections are what allow us to cast our ballots safely and know they will be counted accurately.
Boockvar and Johnson also discuss the challenges of the spread of conspiracy theories and false information via 24/7/365 social media and exacerbated by artificial intelligence. Boockvar noted the need to strengthen our Whole of Society approach to combating mis and disinformation, and how we can all contribute to raising the base level of understanding of how elections work and how our democracy operates.
Boockvar emphasized that perhaps more important than anything else – we need to speak out and show up. There is no single way to make a difference. Every corner conversation, every call to your legislator, every peaceful protest or march helps. Participate. Talk. We need to reach people where they are – in the barbershops, the schools, the community centers. Have those uncomfortable conversations. Listen to people’s differing perspectives and where they are coming from. Whatever you do, now is not the time to be silent. Speak out and show up.
Listen to the full podcast here: https://letstalkdemocracy.alitu.com/episode/6e58fc77-32bc-449b-a212-03d766328792