Apple News Today: "Election Day is Here. Everything You Need to Know." – Detailed Summary

Release Date: November 5, 2024
Host: Sumita Basu

1. Introduction to Election Day

On the November 5th episode of Apple News Today, host Sumita Basu welcomes listeners to Election Day, providing a comprehensive guide to understanding the day's events and what to expect as results begin to unfold. Basu emphasizes the importance of knowing when and how election outcomes are determined, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of the electoral process.

2. How Election Results Are Called

The Role of Media Organizations and the Associated Press

Basu introduces the central question: "When will we know who won this election?" She explains that unlike many other democracies, the United States does not have a single federal agency to declare the national winner. Instead, media organizations, including Apple News, rely primarily on the Associated Press (AP) to make election calls.

Sumita Basu [00:05]:
"Now, depending on how old you are, you might be used to the idea of waking up on Wednesday morning to election results."

Insights from David Scott of the Associated Press

To shed light on the AP’s methodology, Basu interviews David Scott, the editor in charge of the decision desk at the AP.

David Scott [01:15]:
"There's no national, single commission or agency that adds up all those votes and says who's won nationwide."

Scott elaborates on the complexity of the U.S. election system, highlighting the variety of methods states use to report results, from sophisticated data feeds to simple photographs of vote counts.

David Scott [02:10]:
"When we are declaring a winner in a race, we're trying to answer one question, can the trailing candidates catch the leader?"

3. The AP’s Election Operation

Historical Expertise and Modern Techniques

The AP has been meticulously monitoring election reporting since 1849, developing robust systems to ensure accurate and timely calls. This year, the AP is prepared to call approximately 6,800 races, utilizing data from counties and states along with a dedicated team of around 4,000 individuals who manually report results.

Sumita Basu [02:46]:
"It's a massive undertaking, one the AP calls the single largest act of journalism that exists."

4. Collaboration with Other Media Organizations

Basu explains that many prominent media outlets, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Apple News, depend on the AP for election calls. Additionally, some organizations use services like Edison Research or operate their own decision desks. A notable example from 2020 is Fox News' early call of Arizona for Joe Biden, which was later corroborated by the AP.

Sumita Basu [04:15]:
"The AP has an incredible track record of accuracy, more than 99.9%."

5. AP’s Commitment to Accuracy

Scott emphasizes the AP’s priority: being correct above all else. This meticulous approach was evident in the 2000 presidential race between Al Gore and George W. Bush, where the AP refrained from making premature calls, allowing the situation to be resolved by the Supreme Court.

David Scott [04:11]:
"We're thinking about being right first more than anything else."

6. Factors Influencing Election Result Timing in 2024

Several factors could affect the speed of result declarations:

• Pandemic-Related Voting Changes: The surge in mail-in ballots during the pandemic in 2020 extended the counting period.

• Close Races in Battleground States: Tight margins in key states may require more time to verify results.

Scott notes that these factors could lead to prolonged result nights, urging patience and trust in the electoral process.

David Scott [04:39]:
"It's not a sign of fraud. It is simply that we have a remarkably close election."

7. The Certification Process Post-Race

Understanding Certification with Jessica Huseman

Transitioning from result declaration to official certification, Basu introduces Jessica Huseman, editorial director of Votebeat.org. Huseman explains that election results become official only after states certify their counts by a deadline known as Safe Harbor Day in early December.

Jessica Huseman [06:20]:
"Certification is required by law, and certification delays a number of things."

Potential Legal Challenges

The certification process can be disrupted by lawsuits, as seen in the 2020 election when former President Trump and his allies filed numerous lawsuits in battleground states. However, this time, secretaries of state are better prepared to handle such challenges, with pre-written lawsuits ready to file if certification is refused.

8. Anticipated Legal Battles in 2024

Expert Insights from Paula Reed

CNN’s chief legal affairs correspondent Paula Reed predicts that the 2024 election will be the most litigated presidential election in history. She attributes this to lessons learned from the 2020 elections, where aggressive legal strategies led to the loss of 61 out of 62 cases for Republicans, some facing sanctions and criminal charges.

Paula Reed [08:25]:
"2024 is going to be the most litigated presidential election in history."

Republican Strategies and Challenges

Reed discusses how Republicans are actively challenging and attempting to change state election laws under the banner of "election integrity." However, many of these challenges are deemed baseless, perpetuating false claims of fraud without evidence.

Paula Reed [09:22]:
"You have the former president getting out and making some false claims... that there isn't actually evidence of that."

9. Impact on Voter Trust and Party Dynamics

Concerns Over Voter Distrust

Experts express worry that ongoing lawsuits and unfounded fraud claims will erode voter trust, particularly if high-profile figures like Donald Trump continue to assert fraudulent activities without evidence. This climate of distrust poses a long-term challenge for the Republican Party.

Jessica Huseman [10:13]:
"Republicans are going to have to cool it... It’s going to take a really long time for the Republican Party to undo that damage."

Future of Election Integrity Messaging

Huseman speculates on the Republican Party's future messaging regarding election integrity, especially if Trump loses the election. She highlights the need for the party to adopt more realistic and less divisive approaches to regain voter trust.

10. Additional Election Stories Featured in Apple News

Basu highlights several other noteworthy election-related stories available in the Apple News app:

• Dress Code at Polling Places:
  USA Today reminds voters that wearing campaign apparel to polls can be considered electioneering in some states, advising listeners to leave branded clothing at home.

• Clallam County’s Predictive Success:
  A unique county in Washington has accurately predicted presidential winners since 1980, demonstrating that partisan labels may not always dictate electoral outcomes.

• Education on Elections:
  Despite the historic nature of the 2024 election cycle, some history teachers are hesitant to discuss it in schools due to restrictive state policies. However, others emphasize teaching respectful disagreement, critical thinking, and media literacy.

11. Conclusion and Upcoming Content

Basu concludes by encouraging listeners to explore these stories within the Apple News app and previews the next segment: a deeper conversation with Jessica Huseman about the certification process of elections. She assures listeners that regardless of when the race is called, they can expect continuous coverage and analysis.

Sumita Basu [11:17]:
"Whether it takes hours or days, our Democratic systems are normal and healthy."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and expert opinions presented in the Apple News Today episode on Election Day. By detailing the mechanics of election result calling, the certification process, anticipated legal challenges, and broader election narratives, listeners gain a thorough understanding of what to expect on this pivotal day.