The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election has been a topic of intense scrutiny, controversy, and widespread disillusionment. As the political landscape continues to evolve, many citizens and experts are reflecting on the multitude of issues that surfaced throughout the election process. From concerns about voter suppression to the influence of money in politics, to the rise of misinformation, it’s clear that the election did not unfold in a way that could be considered truly fair and transparent. In this article, we will examine the key factors that contributed to the failures of the 2024 Election, and why many believe it was deeply flawed.

1. Voter Suppression: A Systemic Issue

One of the most glaring issues in the 2024 election was voter suppression. Despite significant advances in voting rights in the past, numerous states implemented laws that made it more difficult for certain groups to vote, particularly minority and low-income voters. These laws, often disguised as efforts to combat voter fraud, had the unintended (or perhaps intentional) consequence of disenfranchising millions of Americans.

In states like Georgia, Texas, and Florida, new voting restrictions were imposed that limited access to early voting, reduced polling places, and introduced strict voter ID requirements. These measures disproportionately affected people of color, young voters, and those with disabilities. The impact was particularly severe in communities that already faced barriers to voting. For many, this felt like a modern-day poll tax or literacy test, designed to keep them from having a voice in the political process.

2. Misinformation and Social Media Manipulation

In the age of social media, misinformation has become a critical issue in every election cycle. The 2024 presidential race was no different. Both domestic and foreign actors exploited the power of social media platforms to spread false information, fuel divisions, and sway voters.

Social media algorithms prioritize sensational and emotionally charged content, which has led to the widespread spread of falsehoods. During the 2024 campaign, voters were bombarded with misleading ads, fake news stories, and conspiracy theories. These false narratives, often deliberately crafted to confuse and divide, undermined the integrity of the election process.

For instance, false claims about voter fraud circulated widely, fueled by a small group of politicians and media figures. These claims led to confusion at polling stations, with many voters questioning the legitimacy of the process. Additionally, manipulated images, videos, and fabricated reports made it difficult for the public to distinguish fact from fiction, further eroding trust in the electoral system.

3. The Role of Big Money in Politics

Another critical problem in the 2024 election was the overwhelming influence of money in politics. In the years following the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling, there has been a flood of money from corporations, interest groups, and super PACs into political campaigns. This has led to the creation of a system where the wealthiest individuals and entities hold disproportionate power over the political process.

In 2024, candidates from both major parties raised unprecedented amounts of money. Super PACs spent millions of dollars on negative ads, often distorting the facts about their opponents. This level of spending meant that wealthy donors had more say in the election than average citizens. It was particularly evident in swing states, where millions of dollars were funneled into a few key races, leading to a situation where voters were constantly bombarded with advertisements designed to sway their opinions, regardless of their true preferences.

The influence of big money also made it difficult for third-party candidates or independent voices to gain traction. Their lack of financial resources meant they struggled to get their message out to the masses, further entrenching the two-party system. Many Americans found themselves voting not for the candidate they truly wanted, but for the one they felt was the lesser of two evils—a product of the financial arms race in modern politics.

4. Voter ID Laws and Accessibility Issues

Another critical flaw in the 2024 election was the ongoing debate over voter identification laws and their impact on election accessibility. Voter ID laws, which require citizens to present a specific form of identification before voting, were implemented in numerous states. While proponents argue that these laws are necessary to prevent voter fraud, they have been widely criticized for disproportionately affecting marginalized groups.

For many individuals, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and those living in rural areas, obtaining an ID that complies with these laws is a burdensome and sometimes impossible task. Many Americans simply do not have the resources or the time to navigate the complex bureaucracy required to get the proper identification.

In addition, polling stations were often not equipped to handle the influx of voters, resulting in long lines, broken machines, and delays that frustrated voters. In some areas, polling stations were closed or moved without adequate notice, leaving some voters scrambling to find their designated voting locations.

5. The Electoral College: A Controversial System

The Electoral College, the mechanism by which the U.S. elects its president, continues to be a controversial aspect of the election system. In 2024, the winner of the popular vote did not necessarily win the presidency, sparking renewed calls for reform. This has been a persistent problem in the modern era, with the Electoral College distorting the will of the majority and giving undue weight to certain states.

Critics argue that the Electoral College system is outdated and undemocratic, as it allows candidates to focus their campaigns on a handful of battleground states while ignoring the concerns of voters in states with little electoral weight. This practice leads to the feeling that votes in certain regions matter more than those in others, which creates division and resentment among the electorate.

In 2024, the margin of victory in the Electoral College was once again disproportionate to the popular vote, leading many to question whether the system is still relevant in a modern democracy. Calls for reform have been growing, but with entrenched political interests on both sides, meaningful change remains elusive.

6. Voter Apathy and Disillusionment

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the 2024 election was the growing sense of voter apathy and disillusionment. Many Americans felt disconnected from the political process, believing that their vote didn’t matter or that the system was rigged. This sentiment was particularly prevalent among younger voters, who were often disillusioned by the two major political parties and the state of American democracy.

For many, the 2024 election was a choice between two flawed candidates, neither of whom seemed to represent their values or priorities. This has led to increasing numbers of people choosing to abstain from voting altogether, which further undermines the legitimacy of the election. When large swaths of the population opt out of the process, it leaves the outcome in the hands of a smaller, more polarized group of voters, exacerbating the already deep divisions in the country.

Conclusion: A Call for Reform

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election was marked by numerous failures that have left many citizens questioning the integrity of the process. From voter suppression to the overwhelming influence of money, to the rise of misinformation and social media manipulation, the election highlighted significant flaws in the American electoral system.

To ensure that future elections are fair, transparent, and representative of the will of the people, substantial reforms are necessary. This includes addressing voter suppression, implementing stricter regulations on social media, limiting the influence of money in politics, and revisiting the Electoral College system. Until these issues are addressed, the U.S. election process will continue to be one that many Americans view with skepticism and distrust.

Ultimately, democracy is only as strong as the trust the people have in it. Until reforms are made, that trust will continue to erode, leading to a more fragmented and divided nation.