Special Guest: Derek T. Muller, Professor of Law at Notre Dame Law School (11/19/2024)

In this insightful episode, Professor Derek T. Muller shares his perspective on the 2024 election and the current state of U.S. election law. Derek describes the 2024 election as surprisingly normal despite widespread pre-election concerns about potential disruptions. He reflects on the stability and improvements in election administration since 2020, noting how states have learned valuable lessons from the challenges of past elections, such as the pandemic-driven complications and disputes over ballot procedures. The discussion highlights several important factors contributing to the smooth operation of the 2024 election, including wider electoral margins that reduced contention over close results, and administrative changes, like expedited absentee ballot counting. The conversation also delves into ongoing issues in states like Pennsylvania, where local control and partisan conflicts continue to create complex challenges in election law interpretation. Tune in for a nuanced look at how U.S. election laws are evolving, the risks posed by close margins, and the importance of transparent and reliable election systems. Trivia Question: "Which U.S. President holds the record for the largest number of unsuccessful Supreme Court nominations—that is, nominations that were rejected by the Senate, withdrawn, or lapsed?" Stay tuned for our next episode to find out! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!