Counting the Vote: A Firing Line Special with Margaret Hoover

In this one-hour documentary, Margaret Hoover embarks on a journey to explore voting systems across the United States. She examines methods to increase voter confidence and sheds light on states that face challenges in their vote count processes as the 2024 election approaches.

“Counting the Vote” looks back at two of the most bitterly contested elections in American history—2000 and 2020—and examines subsequent efforts to make the casting and counting of ballots more efficient and inclusive. Several pivotal swing states have taken steps to improve election efficiency since 2020, including Michigan, but other potential tipping points in a close presidential contest like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin could be careening toward a crisis.

How did Florida become the gold standard for election administration after the chaos of 2000? Why have some states succeeded in implementing common sense reforms while lawmakers in others struggle to find bipartisan consensus to solve known problems? Amid a flood of disinformation and conspiracy theories, how confident can voters be that their ballots will be counted quickly and accurately this November?

In “Counting the Vote,” personal stories and expert voices from across the country–including interviews with those currently overseeing elections like Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Democratic Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson–provide a comprehensive understanding of the most powerful tool in American democracy, the threats that could undermine the will of the people, and what it takes to protect the vote count.

COUNTING THE VOTE: A FIRING LINE SPECIAL WITH MARGARET HOOVER was made possible by Robert Granieri, The WNET Group’s Preserving Democracy initiative, and PBS viewers like you.

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FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER airs on PBS. Launched in June 2018, Firing Line maintains the character of the original series by William F. Buckley Jr., providing a platform that is diligent in its commitment to a balanced exchange of opinion. In weekly 30-minute episodes, host Margaret Hoover engages in a rigorous exchange of ideas with political leaders, cultural luminaries, thought leaders and activists who represent a wide range of ideas and perspectives. New episodes are available Fridays here on YouTube at 8:30 pm ET.

[arthurelola]

Thank you Margaret. Your reporting and service to our country makes me proud and hopeful. Your guests working to count our votes accurately deserve the same praise.

[paigechromy]

I’m here from the bulwark podcast ep with Margaret Hoover. Love this doc. ❤️❤️❤️

[LWms]

I would advise anyone to call the local ROV (Registrar of Voters) office. ASK them to explain the election process to you and how election integrity is maintained. As an election volunteer, I've seen firsthand how hardworking volunteers (Democrats and Republicans) strive to do their jobs with the utmost integrity. If you really want to learn the process, volunteer to be a poll worker!!

[renenowicki]

As a native Detroiter, i was ill and angry at the attempts to “stop the count.”

[tigerlily]

Harris/Walz 2024!!! We won't go back!!!

[jimchik]

Too bad the MAGA gang won’t ever watch this…

[carolinemaybe]

What Gore and Biden did was extraordinarily selfless. 2 amazing men. Can you imagine trump doing anything similar? Of course you can’t.

[allanmurphy]

When we in the state of Utah received voting by mail, it is great, you have time to study the issues and make a more informed choice in the election and none of the pressure when you have a voting both with a line of people waiting to vote.

[ericsaroni]

America, one man has made you doubt your electoral process for his ego.😂

[jessicahahn]

Thank you for this. Please make sure this is still available for free through January 6 2025 - we will have to show this to many people after the election is called and people say it as stolen.

[swordarmstudios]

Margaret Hoover is an American Treasure. Firing Line is a fantastic program, with an incredible legacy - and she holds it's weight well.

[David-lpd]

The assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th first broke my heart but then it hardened me against the danger that trump presents to our system of democracy.

[geraldchenry]

I just watched Margaret Hoover’s interview / discussion with Tim Miller on The Bulwark. It was excellent. The I watched Margaret’s documentary. It was excellent. If only it was required watching for every American. Thank you so much.

[michaelvalenzuela]

No matter what facts or truths are presented, MAGA will only accept the results as "Free and Fair" if trump wins.

[kennethwilson]

Love her shows …Very informative…honest and non partisan.

[MadridStreetFilms]

I thought vote by mail rolled over. I learned by watching your show it didn't. I'm all set for November. Thank you

[laurieslade]

Loved this interview, Hoover is amazing and Tim, thanks for acknowledging how the electoral college system of voting for President is unfair to Democrats. Already the two senators per state allows for ongoing minority rule, but at least it should be one person one vote for President. Meanwhile, we fight the fight we have.

[ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

While many comments are appropriate, more are not. Commenting on content is appropriate. Offering partisan political positions is not appropriate. Nor are comments about the presenter. Her gender, appearance, etc. are irrelevant and comments about these are sexist and misogynistic.

Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously said, "You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts."

_Counting the Vote_ presents the facts about the US election system. Continuing to deny the facts doesn't change them, or the truth.

[Grisostomo]

Really well done. This so important. Thank you Margaret.

[liasosa]

This was a master class of the American Voting System, well represented by both the major political parties. As always Margaret your reporting is impeccable, thank you for this!