Bipartisan American Election Project Formed in Response to Trump's Election Proposals

On Monday, a coalition of lawyers from both major political parties established the Bipartisan American Election Project (BAEP) in response to President Donald Trump's recent calls to nationalize election administration. The organization aims to safeguard election procedures and uphold constitutional principles essential for free and fair elections in the United States. BAEP is co-led by Bob Bauer, former general counsel to the Democratic National Committee, and Ben Ginsberg, who served as national counsel for former President George W. Bush's campaigns. The board includes notable figures such as Dana Remus, White House counsel under President Joe Biden, and Donald Verrilli, solicitor general under President Barack Obama.

The Hill

President Trump has advocated for transferring control of election administration from individual states to the federal government, citing concerns over election integrity in cities like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. During a recent Oval Office address, he stated, “I want to see elections be honest, and if a state can’t run an election, I think the people behind me should do something about it.” Trump’s remarks highlight his belief that states act as agents of the federal government in elections, suggesting a need for federal oversight when states fail to meet standards of election integrity.

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In conjunction with his proposals, Trump has endorsed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, which mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration and requires identification at polling places. The House of Representatives has already passed the bill, but it faces significant opposition in the Senate, where no Democratic senators have expressed support.

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In a related legal move, the BAEP filed amicus briefs opposing the Trump administration's request for voter rolls in Georgia and Massachusetts. The organization argues that the Constitution delineates the responsibilities of state and federal governments, emphasizing that states are better positioned to manage elections due to their proximity to the electorate. The BAEP's brief asserts, “The Constitution divides power between the state and federal governments to secure Americans’ liberty,” reinforcing the argument for state control over election administration.

The Hill

Critics of Trump's proposals, including members of the BAEP, contend that his push for federal control undermines the constitutional framework designed to protect electoral integrity. They argue that state governments are more responsive to local needs and concerns, and that federal intervention could lead to a one-size-fits-all approach that may not suit the diverse electoral landscapes across the country.

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• “I want to see elections be honest, and if a state can’t run an election, I think the people behind me should do something about it,” — President Donald Trump

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• “The Constitution divides power between the state and federal governments to secure Americans’ liberty,” — Bipartisan American Election Project Amicus Brief

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This ongoing debate over election administration reflects broader tensions regarding federalism and the integrity of the electoral process in the United States.

The Hill