Fact Check: the 2024 election was rigged

Fact Check: "The 2024 Election Was Rigged"

What We Know

The claim that the 2024 election was rigged has been widely circulated, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions about election integrity in the United States. Research conducted by political science professor Justin Grimmer indicates that claims of widespread voter fraud are often based on "shockingly flimsy evidence." Grimmer's studies reveal that while a significant portion of voters express skepticism about election accuracy, most do not claim that elections are outright faked. Instead, many cite delays in ballot counting or dissatisfaction with results as their reasons for doubt.

Moreover, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has stated that the U.S. election infrastructure is "more secure than ever," with no evidence of malicious activity impacting election integrity (AP News). This sentiment is echoed by various election officials who have reported no significant issues during the election process.

Analysis

The assertion that the 2024 election was rigged lacks credible evidence. Grimmer's research systematically debunks major theories of voter fraud, including those related to voting machines and absentee ballots. He notes that many claims made by election skeptics are often based on misunderstandings of statistical data and research methodologies (Stanford).

Additionally, the narrative suggesting that a significant vote gap between candidates indicates fraud has been addressed by multiple sources. For instance, claims regarding a supposed 20 million vote gap between President Biden's 2020 election total and Vice President Harris's 2024 total have been labeled as unfounded, particularly since the counting of votes was still ongoing at the time these claims were made (AP News).

The reliability of the sources discussing these claims is crucial. Grimmer is a respected academic in the field of political science, and his research is peer-reviewed and published in reputable journals. In contrast, many of the claims circulating on social media lack substantiation and often originate from partisan sources with vested interests in promoting narratives of electoral fraud (Newsweek).

Conclusion

The claim that the 2024 election was rigged is False. The available evidence, including extensive research by political scientists and statements from election officials, indicates that there is no substantial basis for these allegations. The claims are often rooted in misunderstandings or misinterpretations of electoral processes and data.