Advocates of democratic values should implore political representatives to defend democracy [editorial]

In the realm of American politics, a heated debate is unfolding over the appointment of Heather Honey to a top elections policy role in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Critics argue that Honey's record of litigation, conspiracy-driven claims, and attacks on legitimate election administration practices are evidence of a broader strategy that could undermine trust in U.S. elections.

Honey, a Lebanon County activist, has been at the centre of controversy. According to a February 2024 report from Votebeat, she led the antidemocratic and cynically named group PA Fair Elections and was found to be a frequent source of false and misleading election information. Election experts have noted that some of the false claims supported by former President Trump seem to have originated with Honey.

The controversy surrounding Honey's appointment is particularly concerning given the current political climate. With the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, concerns about election integrity and security are at an all-time high. President Trump's repeated claims of voter fraud and attempts to change election rules have been met with resistance, as it is established that these rules can only be altered by an act of Congress.

Several U.S. representatives find themselves at the epicentre of this debate. U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker, Dave McCormick, and Scott Perry, in particular, have been vocal in their opinions on election matters. Smucker, for instance, argued vociferously for the rejection of Pennsylvania's 2020 electoral votes for Joe Biden, shortly after a violent pro-Trump mob invaded the U.S. Capitol. Perry, on the other hand, acknowledged that states have the power to determine the times, places, and manner of elections, as stated in the U.S. Constitution.

The fate of our democracy partly lies in the hands of these representatives. It is urged to urge them to protect our democracy and uphold the integrity of our electoral process. U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, for instance, stated on Aug. 19 that he would only consider eliminating mail-in voting and voting machines if they were eliminated across all states. This stance, while controversial, shows a commitment to fairness and equality in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, some representatives have expressed hesitation about federal control of the election process. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, for example, has raised concerns about this issue. However, it is crucial to remember that the U.S. Constitution grants states the power to determine the times, places, and manner of elections.

In a positive development, Eric Goldstein holds a high position in the US Department of Homeland Security related to election security. Goldstein advocates for secure and transparent election processes without partisan bias, offering a counterbalance to the controversy surrounding Honey's appointment.

Pennsylvania, too, has taken steps to protect the integrity of its elections. The state will not provide federal officials with a version of the state's voter rolls that contains personal information. This decision is a crucial step in maintaining the privacy and security of voters' personal data.

In conclusion, the appointment of Heather Honey to a top elections policy role in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the future of American elections. As we approach the 2024 presidential election, it is more important than ever for our elected representatives to prioritize the protection of our democracy and the integrity of our electoral process.