The Kansas Recount: A Lesson in Delusion and the Impact of Trumpism on American Elections

In the first weeks following the 2020 election, the State of Kansas made headlines with an unprecedented vote recount for an anti-abortion amendment. This recount, initiated despite a 18-point margin, provided insight into the growing influence of Trumpism on American elections and the lengths to which some are willing to go to maintain their delusions.

Why Did Kansas Issue a Vote Recount for the Anti-Abortion Amendment?

The leadership of Kansas was in a state of crisis when the popular vote for the anti-abortion amendment revealed that the populace did not align with their position. With a margin that can be easily calculated and verified, it became clear that the people of Kansas had spoken, and the amendment was rejected by an 18-point margin. Despite this overwhelming evidence, the losing side insisted on a recount, hoping to change the outcome.

Election Denial and the Cost of Lies

The push for a recount in Kansas was a clear example of election denial, a phenomenon that has seen its roots in the Trumpist movement. The cost associated with the recount, estimated at $120,000, further underscores the financial burden this behavior places on the state and communities involved. This is not an isolated incident; instead, it is part of a larger trend where losing candidates and their supporters are willing to spend significant resources to claim that the results were illegitimate.

Kansas Law and the Recount Process

It is important to note that the process of initiating a recount in Kansas is regulated by state law. According to Kansas law, any individual or group who can cover the cost of the recount can request it. In this case, the recounted votes were limited to the nine counties where the recount was requested. The final result showed only a negligible change in the numbers, indicating that the initial margin of 18 votes was indeed accurate and not subject to any significant error or fraud.

The Impact of Trumpism on the Political Landscape

While the Kansas recount can be seen as a microcosm of the broader political discourse, it is the actions of Donald Trump and his followers that have had a profound impact on the health of American democracy. Trump’s refusal to accept defeat in the 2020 election, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, has emboldened those who seek to question and challenge the results of elections. He has taken his claims to over 60 courtrooms, but not a single judge or court has found any credible evidence of election fraud.

These actions have set a dangerous precedent, where the loss of an election is equated with the belief that the election was rigged. This belief is not confined to political insiders; it has permeated through the media, with outlets like Fox News playing a significant role in spreading these unfounded claims. The home state of Kris Kobach, a long-time proponent of harsh election laws and a leading figure in election conspiracy theories, further illustrates the connection between political ideology and the mistrust of democratic processes.

The Lingering Impacts of Trump’s Presidency

The events surrounding the Kansas recount are but a small part of a larger narrative. The behavior exhibited in Kansas, and the actions of those who refuse to accept the results of the 2020 election, serve as a lasting legacy of Donald Trump’s presidency. These actions are not isolated incidents; they are systemic and have far-reaching consequences. They demonstrate the importance of upholding the integrity of democratic processes and the need for citizens to support and trust in the electoral system.

The question remains: what is the future of American democracy in an era where losing candidates and their supporters are willing to challenge the results and refuse to accept defeat? The behavior seen in Kansas, and the broader actions of Trumpism, provide a stark warning. It is only through continued vigilance and a commitment to the rule of law that we can ensure a vibrant and healthy democracy for generations to come.