A New Low in Voter Suppression: Trump's Pardon to Double-Voter Could Have Far-Reaching Consequences
President Donald Trump has taken a surprising turn with his latest pardon, granting a full and unconditional pardon to all US citizens for conduct related to the 2020 election. The irony is that Matthew Laiss, a 26-year-old man who was charged with double voting in the same election, has adopted this very pardon as his defense.
Laiss, who allegedly cast two votes for President Trump in Pennsylvania and Florida, claims that the pardon applies to him despite the fact that Trump's allies received much harsher pardons. Laiss's attorney argued that the "plain language" of the pardon meant it extended to Laiss, but critics say this is a stretch.
The pardon proclamation was written broadly, covering conduct related to the 2020 election and applying to all US citizens. This has raised concerns about unintended consequences, particularly in cases where voting irregularities are more egregious. Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School, warned that the broad language could conceivably apply not just to Laiss, but also to people accused of voting illegally.
While Laiss's case may seem like an isolated incident, experts say that Trump's pardon sets a worrying precedent for voter suppression and election integrity. Derek Muller, an election law professor at Notre Dame Law School, notes that pardons are typically tailored to specific individuals or circumstances, not sweeping all US citizens under the umbrella of immunity.
The U.S. attorney's office has until Friday to respond to Laiss's motion, but it is unclear whether the judge will ultimately accept the pardon as a defense for his alleged double voting. One thing is certain: Trump's pardon has created a new low in voter suppression and raises serious questions about the administration's commitment to election integrity.
President Donald Trump has taken a surprising turn with his latest pardon, granting a full and unconditional pardon to all US citizens for conduct related to the 2020 election. The irony is that Matthew Laiss, a 26-year-old man who was charged with double voting in the same election, has adopted this very pardon as his defense.
Laiss, who allegedly cast two votes for President Trump in Pennsylvania and Florida, claims that the pardon applies to him despite the fact that Trump's allies received much harsher pardons. Laiss's attorney argued that the "plain language" of the pardon meant it extended to Laiss, but critics say this is a stretch.
The pardon proclamation was written broadly, covering conduct related to the 2020 election and applying to all US citizens. This has raised concerns about unintended consequences, particularly in cases where voting irregularities are more egregious. Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School, warned that the broad language could conceivably apply not just to Laiss, but also to people accused of voting illegally.
While Laiss's case may seem like an isolated incident, experts say that Trump's pardon sets a worrying precedent for voter suppression and election integrity. Derek Muller, an election law professor at Notre Dame Law School, notes that pardons are typically tailored to specific individuals or circumstances, not sweeping all US citizens under the umbrella of immunity.
The U.S. attorney's office has until Friday to respond to Laiss's motion, but it is unclear whether the judge will ultimately accept the pardon as a defense for his alleged double voting. One thing is certain: Trump's pardon has created a new low in voter suppression and raises serious questions about the administration's commitment to election integrity.
. I mean, come on, Matt Laiss, you got caught red-handed trying to vote twice? And now Donald Trump is basically saying that everyone's good to go? It's like he's sending a message to all the "bad" voters out there... Newsflash: if you think you can just game the system and get away with it, we're onto you! 
I'm so frustrated with this latest move by Trump... like what even is the point of granting pardons to people who allegedly committed voting irregularities? It's just going to embolden people to think they can get away with it and stuff their ballots multiple times. This whole thing is a huge mess and it's only going to make election integrity worse 
.
. What's next? Everyone gets a free pass to cheat in school or something? 
seriously though, this is a total slippery slope. If you can just claim the pardon and be done with it, then what's to stop other people from doing the same? It's like Trump thinks he's above the law 
. I mean, come on, couldn't they have been more specific? 
We drove across the country, stopped at so many quirky roadside attractions, and even tried some crazy food 
It's like they're warning us that the food might not be as good as we think 
, I mean, who needs to follow the rules or anything? Like, if Matt Laiss can just waltz in and claim he's not guilty because his boy Trump gave him a free pass, why can't everyone else do that too? 
It's not like it's going to lead to people showing up twice at the polls or anything... unless you're against fair elections 
.
This isn't exactly confidence-boosting for our democracy, is it? 
This is insane! Trump's pardon to this guy who allegedly double voted is like, super messed up 
It raises so many concerns about voter suppression and election integrity... Like, how are we supposed to trust the system now? 
. And what if someone tries to use this loophole in another state or country? 
.
this is crazy I cant believe trump did this, it's like he's playing with fire by giving a pardon to someone who allegedly double voted... what if there are more cases like him? 
and what about all the people who were affected by voting irregularities, does this mean they get a free pass too? 
, it could lead to a lot of problems down the line with people claiming that they're above the law just because they received a pardon from Trump 
It's not funny though, this has serious implications for our democracy and the integrity of our elections. I'm all for second chances, but come on, can't we do better than this? 
This just feels like a massive power play by Trump and his team, and it's got me worried about the future of our democracy. 