Yesterday, for the third time, Donald Trump announced he is running for president. His reascension to the highest office in the land is certainly within the realm of possibility. Given his past attempt to overturn election results and its disastrous fallout, it’s high time for Congress to pass the bipartisan Electoral Count Reform Act (ECRA).
The incoming Republican majority will serve as an indispensable check on President Biden’s left-wing agenda. Unfortunately, because of the apparent prevalence of the view among the GOP base that the 2020 election was stolen, the House Republican Conference is unlikely to take up the cause of reforming the Electoral Count Act, which was the rickety product of the disputed 1876 presidential election. It’s urgent for the lame-duck 117th Congress to amend it now, because the 118th Congress, which will certify the results of the 2024 presidential election, likely won’t have the inclination to do so.
Admittedly, the ECRA isn’t perfect, but its passage is essential for preserving the integrity of future presidential elections. If Democrats want to prove they’re serious about safeguarding democracy and not just using the issue as a cynical political ploy, they should work with Republicans to see to the bill’s passage.
Editor’s note: This article originally misstated the numerical designation of the relevant Congresses.