Becker sees post-election disputes as bigger risk than polling day chaos
The former Justice Department lawyer warns that claims of rigging by losing parties pose a greater threat to public confidence than potential federal agent deployments.
By Alina Marshall ·
David Becker, who founded the Center for Election Innovation and Research, expressed greater concern about the days following the midterm elections than about the voting process itself on Tuesday. The former Justice Department voting rights lawyer noted that nearly 60 million Americans had already cast ballots with minimal issues.
Becker acknowledged that advocacy groups are preparing for the possibility of federal agents appearing near polling places, despite administration assurances against such deployments. In Arizona, one organization trained over 100 community members to monitor these potential irregularities.
He cited federal law 18 U.S.C. 592, which restricts the deployment of armed personnel near voting sites. Violations of this statute can result in up to five years in prison and disqualification from federal office. Becker said courts would likely intervene if immigration agents or troops were deployed without proper legal authorization.
The expert cautioned the media against overreacting to images of officers near polling places. He warned that stripping such photos of context could spread unnecessary alarm and discourage voters from participating. Routine disruptions like traffic jams and bad weather were the primary preparations for election officials, and most voters were unlikely to face long waits.
Becker identified the aftermath of the vote as his main area of focus. "I think we expect to hear statements from losing candidates and losing parties that the election was rigged when we know, of course, that our elections are secure and verified," he said during a conversation with NPR's Steve Inskeep.
