Current Events: Election Violence in the United States

Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of democracy. Incidents of political violence following the U.S.’s 2020 elections raised serious concerns about the safety of the electoral process and citizens’ ability to vote freely. Many states have since adopted new measures to tighten up election security in response to those events and to prepare for the 2024 election cycle. And yet, escalating tensions within the political landscape pose a threat to elections officials, candidates, and even ballots. Recently, ballot boxes in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, WA, were set ablaze. There were also two separate assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump this year, underscoring the volatility that permeates our political environment. The rise of misinformation and increasing political polarization have fostered an atmosphere where some individuals feel justified in resorting to violence or intimidation to express their beliefs. As tensions mount, the integrity of the electoral process and the fundamental rights of voters are at stake.

Various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil rights organizations, and community groups are committed to ensuring secure polling places where voters can exercise their rights without fear. Educational campaigns focused on informing citizens about their rights as a voter and promoting respectful political discourse have been identified as vital components in decreasing polarization and easing the growing tensions amongst some in the electorate.

This week’s current event examines both past and potential threats to free and fair elections in the United States of America. Additionally, some sources provide both preventions and remedies to political violence.

Essential Questions:

Essential Question #1 How does the history of election-related violence in the U.S. shape our understanding of today’s political events?
Essential Question #2 In your opinion, what factors are contributing to the current electoral violence ?
Essential Question #3 How does election violence affect the function of democracy?
Essential Question #4 What are some historical examples of peaceful resolution to electoral disputes?
Essential Question #5 What role does misinformation in the media play in fueling current election-related violence?
Essential Question #6 What are the responsibilities of The Media in reporting on elections?

Vocabulary:

Media: the main ways that large numbers of people receive information
Political Violence: violence aimed at political ends and relates to the controlling or changing of the benefactors and participators in political, economic and socio-cultural life.
Electoral Violence: a form of political violence is any harm, or threat of harm to person or property involved in the election process.
Democracy: government by the people : rule of the majority
Misinformation: incorrect or misleading information
Intimidate: to make timid or fearful