Fact Check: SMART Elections Demands Full Hand Recount of 2024 Presidential and Senate Races
What We Know
SMART Elections, a nonpartisan election security advocacy group, has indeed filed a lawsuit demanding a full hand recount of the 2024 Presidential and Senate elections in Rockland County, New York. According to a report by Newsweek, the lead plaintiff in the case has submitted extensive document requests as part of the discovery process. The founder of SMART Legislation, which is the action arm of SMART Elections, Lulu Friesdat, stated, "The best way to reassure the public about the accuracy of the election results in Rockland County, New York, is to conduct a full, transparent, hand recount of the 2024 Presidential and Senate elections" (Newsweek).
The lawsuit arises from claims of voting discrepancies, particularly concerning the performance of voting machines. The plaintiffs have raised concerns about the integrity of the election results, citing statistical anomalies and irregularities in the vote counts (Newsweek). The Rockland County Board of Elections has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the claims lack merit and that the petitioners do not qualify for a recount as a matter of law (Newsweek).
Analysis
The claim that SMART Elections is demanding a full hand recount is supported by multiple credible sources. The organization's official website outlines their mission to improve election security and provide public oversight (SMART Elections). The lawsuit's details, including the request for a full recount, have been reported by reputable media outlets, including Newsweek, which is known for its fact-based reporting (Newsweek).
However, the reliability of the claims made in the lawsuit should be critically assessed. While SMART Elections is a recognized nonpartisan group, the context of their demands stems from allegations of irregularities that have not been proven in a court of law. The Rockland County Board of Elections has expressed skepticism about the validity of these claims, indicating a potential bias in the plaintiffs' assertions (Newsweek).
Additionally, the lawsuit's progression through the legal system, including the judge's initial ruling allowing discovery to proceed, suggests that the claims are being taken seriously, but it remains to be seen how the court will ultimately rule on the matter. The upcoming hearings and the trial set for early next year will be crucial in determining the outcome of this case.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that SMART Elections demands a full hand recount of the 2024 Presidential and Senate races is accurate. The organization has formally filed a lawsuit requesting this recount based on alleged voting discrepancies in Rockland County, New York. The evidence from credible sources supports the assertion that SMART Elections is actively pursuing this recount through legal channels.
