TL/DR –
The article details the allegations surrounding the “fake elector scheme” purportedly orchestrated by Donald Trump’s campaign to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The scheme involved fraudulent or “fake” electors in seven states, with a total of 84 individuals signing and submitting fake electoral college certificates. The article also reports that Kenneth Chesebro, considered the scheme’s architect, pled guilty to one felony charge of conspiring to commit filing false documents. Charges have been brought against fake electors in Georgia and Michigan, and investigations are ongoing in other states.
The Fake Elector Scheme
The fake elector scheme aimed to delegitimize the 2020 presidential election results in seven states and hinder Congress from validating the actual results. After legal setbacks, the Trump campaign evolved from a legal strategy to a corrupt plan involving fake electors. Despite opposition from Trump’s legal team, including his White House Counsel, a few attorneys pursued this strategy with increasingly unconventional legal memos.
Involvement of 84 Individuals
A total of 84 individuals from AZ, GA, MI, PA, WI, NM, and NV fraudulently signed official-looking documents, presenting themselves as Trump’s electors. These fake certificates were later used as leverage to persuade Vice President Pence to annul the election results on January 6. However, many conservative legal scholars convinced Pence that he lacked such authority.
Kenneth Chesebro’s Role
Attorney Kenneth Chesebro, the architect of the fake electors scheme, was among the 19 people indicted by a grand jury in Fulton County, GA. He later pleaded guilty to one felony charge of conspiring to commit filing false documents. He is also identified as an unindicted co-conspirator in the federal indictment for his role in the conspiracy.
Fake Electors Face Justice
Currently, fake electors from Georgia and Michigan have been criminally charged. Other states may follow, and federal prosecutors may also take action. In Georgia, three of the 16 fake electors are indicted in Fani Willis’ election interference case. All 16 fake electors from Michigan have been charged with criminal felonies. Arizona is also investigating the actions of its fake electors.
Who Are Presidential Electors?
According to the U.S. Constitution, it is presidential electors who ultimately determine the president. Each state nominates a slate of electors before the presidential election. The party whose candidate won the popular vote then submits their slate of electors. These electors cast their ballots for their preferred presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The results are recorded by the state and sent to the National Archives for Congress’s certification on January 6th following the election.
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