2024 Election Results Under Scrutiny as Lawsuit Advances (newsweek.com)
Overview & Context
A lawsuit filed by SMART Legislation, the advocacy arm of nonpartisan watchdog group SMART Elections, has advanced in Rockland County, New York, as a judge allowed it to proceed to discovery. The lawsuit challenges the 2024 presidential and Senate election results in the county due to alleged voting irregularities.
Key Allegations
- Affidavits suggest more people reported (via sworn statements) voting for independent Senate candidate Diane Sare than were officially recorded by the Board of Elections.
- Statistical anomalies raised by physicist Max Bonamente indicate that presidential voting patterns in some towns were “statistically highly unlikely” compared to 2020 data.
- The complaint notes precincts where votes for Democrats (e.g., Gillibrand) appeared, but zero votes were recorded for Kamala Harris—a divergence flagged as warranting investigation.
Procedural Status & Significance
- The judge has permitted document discovery, meaning parties can now compel evidence like ballots, poll records, and electronic voting logs.
- A hearing has been scheduled for September 22 to discuss next steps.
- Although the case won’t change certified election outcomes, plaintiffs argue the process could bolster public confidence by demonstrating that issues, if present, are formally addressed.
Expert Insight
- Costas Panagopoulos (political science): Statistical anomalies alone don’t confirm foul play, but thorough investigation could strengthen transparency and public trust.
- Max Bonamente (physics/astronomy): Findings suggest anomalies need further verification to rule out error, miscalculation, or statistical flukes.
Citation
Newsweek. (2025, June 15). 2024 Election Results Under Scrutiny as Lawsuit Advances. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/2024-election-lawsuit-advances-2083391/