Inside the hallowed halls of Congress, where seasoned lawmakers navigate the complexities of the American democratic system, there occasionally arise individuals whose lack of constitutional and political brainpower is glaringly evident. Enter Representatives Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene, two members who have managed to capture the nation’s attention not for their legislative acumen, but for their audacious forays into the realm of election laws and their misguided beliefs surrounding the Vice President’s power to overturn elections.

To truly understand the limitations of states concerning election laws, one must delve into the foundational principles of the United States Constitution. The U.S. Constitution, along with subsequent amendments, empowers states with a degree of autonomy to administer their own election procedures. This delegated authority, however, is not without bounds. The Constitution explicitly confers certain powers to the federal government, among which are the responsibility to regulate congressional elections and the authority to establish the Electoral College.

The power to set the “times, places, and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives” resides with the state legislatures, as outlined in Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution. Nonetheless, Congress maintains the power to alter or regulate these state-imposed laws as it deems necessary. The constitutional interplay between state and federal authority is an intricate dance designed to strike a balance between states’ rights and a cohesive national framework.

Boebert and Greene’s inability to grasp this constitutional nuance has led them down a path of political naivete. From spearheading ill-conceived voter suppression laws to peddling baseless claims of election fraud, their efforts betray a fundamental misunderstanding of the Constitution’s division of powers. Such reckless endeavors sow distrust in the democratic process and undermine the very foundation of our nation.

But perhaps the pinnacle of their folly is their contention that the Vice President possesses the power to overturn an election. Under the Constitution, the Vice President’s role is largely ceremonial, presiding over the Senate and having the power to cast tie-breaking votes. Despite this, Boebert and Greene have propagated a dangerous myth, one that has no basis in law or historical precedent.

The Constitution is unequivocal in its delineation of the election process. The President of the Senate, who is the Vice President of the United States, does not hold the authority to unilaterally invalidate election results. The Electoral College, a system established by the framers to guard against the dangers of direct popular vote, functions as the ultimate arbiter in presidential elections. Electors are chosen by the states and are bound to vote for the candidate who won the popular vote in their respective states.

While free speech is a fundamental right, it does not grant immunity to individuals engaging in fraudulent activities or conspiracies to defraud the election process. Fraudulent actions that undermine the integrity of elections remain indictable offenses, as they subvert the very essence of democracy. The right to free speech is not an unfettered license to perpetrate crimes, and individuals who abuse this right to subvert the democratic process must be held accountable.

Moreover, the act of appointing false electors is indeed a crime. Under federal law, individuals who impersonate electors or engage in the fraudulent submission of electoral votes are subject to criminal prosecution. This is not a matter of interpretation or opinion; it is a legal fact. The Constitution and federal law stand firm in their condemnation of such egregious acts.

The alarming part of Boebert and Greene’s perpetuation of these misguided beliefs is the echo chamber they have created among their followers. Misinformation spreads like wildfire in the age of social media, and these representatives have become conduits for baseless conspiracy theories that corrode the public’s faith in the electoral system. The consequences of this misinformation can be far-reaching, potentially resulting in voter suppression, electoral disarray, and a destabilized democracy.

The antics of Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by those who lack the constitutional and political acumen to wield power responsibly. Their ill-informed forays into election laws, coupled with their unsubstantiated claims of the Vice President’s powers, are not only emblematic of their own incompetence but also indicative of a broader trend of misinformation and political malfeasance.

As we move forward as a nation, it is incumbent upon us to critically assess the individuals we elect to represent us in Congress. The health of our democracy hinges on the wisdom and judgment of those who occupy positions of power. We must demand accountability and fact-based decision-making from our elected officials, lest we allow the flames of dumbassery to consume the very fabric of our democracy.