In an exclusive interview, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Whatley shared insights into the RNC’s aggressive and proactive approach to ensuring election integrity during the most recent election cycle. According to Whatley, the RNC was on top of "hundreds" of issues across the country on election night, with a coordinated team of lawyers and poll observers working swiftly to resolve potential instances of election malfeasance.
As Americans anxiously awaited the final election results, the RNC's team was already in action—quickly addressing any emerging issues and leveraging legal expertise to safeguard the election process. Whatley detailed several examples of how the RNC responded to various challenges and pointed to the team's commitment to making sure the election was fair and transparent.
Rapid Response to Election Night Challenges
Whatley emphasized the importance of being prepared for any situation on election night. He explained that, while many of the issues they faced might have seemed minor at the time, they were vital to ensuring that the election process was carried out fairly.
One of the most significant instances of interference occurred in Philadelphia, where RNC poll observers were initially blocked from entering polling stations. According to Whatley, there were 230,000 poll workers nationwide, with 15,000 in Pennsylvania alone. When RNC poll observers arrived at a Philadelphia location, they were told they could not enter.
"All of our poll workers show up… and they wouldn’t let them in," Whatley said. "We’re like, ‘Well, we’re the registered poll workers.’ They said, ‘That’s great. You’re not getting in.’"
In response, the RNC quickly mobilized its legal team, and within 15 minutes, they had filed for a court injunction. Within 30 minutes, the poll observers were allowed in, demonstrating the RNC's commitment to protecting the rights of its poll watchers and ensuring that the election process remained transparent.
Legal Action and Proactive Measures
Whatley also described other instances where the RNC acted quickly to uphold election law. For example, in one county in Pennsylvania, election officials attempted to delay the counting of ballots, planning to postpone the process until the following day. This, according to Whatley, was a clear violation of state law.
"The RNC effectively warned them that we would take them to court in 15 minutes," Whatley explained. The county reversed its decision and agreed to continue counting ballots that night. This, Whatley noted, is an example of the RNC’s proactive approach—making it clear that they were prepared to take legal action to ensure compliance with election laws.
"We’re there, we demonstrate to these guys that you’re going to be watched, and then they’ll back off," Whatley said. He called this strategy "prophylactic"—essentially creating a deterrent by showing that the RNC was ready to act if necessary.
An Army of Lawyers Ready to Defend Election Integrity
The RNC's election night efforts were supported by a formidable legal team. Whatley credited the organization’s ability to tackle election issues quickly to the impressive coordination of over 6,500 lawyers recruited from across the country. With hundreds of law firms on retainer and 115 attorneys working in-house, the RNC had a strong legal presence to address any legal challenges that might arise.
“What you want to do is be there and demonstrate to these guys that you are going to be there, and then they’ll back off and they won’t cheat,” Whatley said. He also spoke about the tireless efforts of key team members, including Laura Trump, who served as the co-chair of the RNC’s election integrity efforts.
According to Whatley, the RNC’s efforts were a critical part of ensuring a fair election process. He expressed his gratitude to the entire team, saying, “I can’t thank the overall team enough, just because it just— all you have to do is look at the results and say, yeah, these guys made a decision to go forward with it.”
Conclusion: A Strong Defense of Election Integrity
The RNC’s election integrity efforts were not only extensive but also fast-moving and responsive. From blocking illegal delays in ballot counting to ensuring poll observers had access to polling locations, Whatley made it clear that the RNC was prepared to fight for election fairness from start to finish. With thousands of lawyers and poll observers, as well as a swift legal response to potential malfeasance, the RNC showed that it was serious about maintaining the integrity of the election process.
As Whatley put it, "We were on top of election malfeasance," and with their rapid response to "literally hundreds of issues," the RNC demonstrated the importance of staying vigilant and prepared to defend the democratic process.
While the RNC’s work may have flown under the radar for many Americans, Whatley’s remarks underscore the critical role that election integrity organizations play in ensuring a fair and transparent election system. With an organized, legal-minded approach and the support of thousands of volunteers and lawyers, the RNC’s efforts to safeguard the election are a testament to the party's commitment to upholding the rule of law during a critical period in American democracy.
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