Regular meeting (Public Comment – Keith Ashley, 4/16/2024)

**Executive Summary**

The document analyzes various claims regarding election fraud that have been perpetuated by Trump supporters following the 2020 presidential election. The High-level Hoppe report, endorsed by notable Republican figures and institutions such as the CATO Institute and Stanford Law School, concluded that there is no substantial evidence to support allegations of malfeasance with Dominion voting machines or other voting irregularities. This bipartisan inquiry involved extensive audits and legal challenges, ultimately revealing the lack of merit in claims against the electoral process.

The analysis details specific instances where legal challenges were filed by Trump’s legal team, highlighting that out of 64 cases, only one resulted in the invalidation of votes, while many were dismissed or withdrawn. Importantly, the report notes that all allegations were rigorously examined by courts, with findings indicating that most accusations were based on conjecture rather than concrete evidence. Furthermore, Republican-led audits in key states, including Michigan, consistently found no evidence of widespread fraud, despite high-profile allegations.

The document calls for a shift in focus for the Republican party, asserting that the continuation of false claims regarding the 2020 election undermines democratic integrity. It urges party members to abandon the narrative of fraud and instead, work towards regaining public trust by promoting a more evidence-based approach to the upcoming 2024 election. The summary presents a case for collective acceptance of electoral outcomes, advocating for a future built on facts and informed decision-making rather than unfounded conspiracies surrounding the electoral process.

The final remarks emphasize the importance of restoring faith in democracy and highlight that the 2020 election results should be acknowledged as legitimate, rather than contested without substantiation. Drawing on historical precedents, it reiterates that the capacity for the American populace to make informed decisions is what has fostered national stability and democratic progress.