Fact check: What are the implications of the lawsuit for the 2024 election?

1. Summary of the results

The implications of the lawsuit for the 2024 election are multifaceted, with some analyses suggesting that it may renew debate about the election results, but ultimately will not change the outcome since Congress has certified the results ^[1]. The lawsuit filed by SMART Legislation over voting discrepancies in Rockland County, New York, is seeking a full hand recount of the 2024 Presidential and Senate elections ^{[2] [3]}. Key concerns raised by the lawsuit include irregularities in vote tallies, statistical anomalies, and the chain of custody of ballots and equipment ^{[4] [2]}. Additionally, the rise of anti-voter litigation, particularly voter purge lawsuits, may disenfranchise eligible voters and sow distrust in the election ^[5]. Experts say there's no reason to question the validity of the election results, but the lawsuit's claims have begun circulating online, contributing to election mistrust ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some important context missing from the original statement includes the fact that the settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice and the North Carolina State Board of Elections may jeopardize some eligible voters' ballots ^[6]. Furthermore, the League of Women Voters has tracked 64 anti-voter lawsuits filed in 2024, many of which sought to disrupt election administration and purge eligible voters from the rolls ^[5]. Alternative viewpoints suggest that people are more likely to vote when they are confident that their ballots will be counted as intended, and that doubt about election integrity can keep people from voting ^[4]. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit have raised concerns about the chain of custody of the ballots and equipment, and are seeking to conduct depositions and gather more information about the election process in Rockland County ^[2]. Different perspectives on the lawsuit's implications for the 2024 election include the possibility that it could lead to further investigation into the election results ^[3], or that it may ultimately have no impact on the outcome ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading in its implication that the lawsuit will have a significant impact on the 2024 election, as some analyses suggest that it will not change the outcome ^[1]. Biased language may be present in some of the analyses, such as the use of the term "anti-voter litigation" ^[5], which may imply a negative connotation. The beneficiaries of this framing include those who seek to discredit the election results or sow distrust in the election process ^[4]. On the other hand, the League of Women Voters and other civil rights groups may benefit from the lawsuit's focus on protecting voters from unlawful purges ^[5]. Ultimately, the implications of the lawsuit for the 2024 election are complex and multifaceted, and require careful consideration of the various analyses and perspectives presented ^{[1] [4]}.