Why do we allow candidates who won't accept election results to even run?

[skip fox]

It seems that, like age and other requirements, an acceptance of election results should be requisite for all candidates.

If you can't lose, you can't play!


Simple as that.

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

1. Because the Constitution sets the requirements

More can't be added without an amendment. Most(if not all) state constitutions list the requirements for state offices and would also need to be amended.

[skip fox]

4. You're right of course, but

when we sit down to play a board game, we all tacitly agree to follow the rules.

Why would we let someone run if they said they cannot lose? They have to agree to follow certain finance campaign rules, don't they? Aren't there other such rules about buying votes, etc.

Shouldn't they have to agree to the rules of democracy if they are going to run in a democracy?

Maybe the answer is judicial not constitutional.

[iemanja]

8. How do you propose enforcing that?

Your honor, I believe my rules should determine eligibility?

[skip fox]

10. They deal with finance campaign rules, don't they?

[iemanja]

12. There is no rule regarding this

and each state would have to pass one, and then it would have to pass judicial review.

Campaign finance law doesn't stop someone from running. It fines them if they violate federal or state law.

[Sympthsical]

14. That's why we have courts

And say what you will, but the courts set fire to almost all of Trump's claims after the election.

That's what they're there for, to referee based on the rules agreed upon in the Constitution.

[RainCaster]

2. People are allowed to say stupid things

Just make note of that, when you vote.

[Ocelot II]

3. Who's going to stop them? Parties can endorse candidates or not,

but anybody who wants to run for office can do so if they meet the minimum constitutional requirements.

[Irish_Dem]

5. Because the GOP and MAGAs like such people.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

6. This right here.

[skip fox]

7. You're name can't go on the ballot unless

you are endorsed by on the the political parties or you have gotten so many signatures.

Your name can't go on the ballot if it's not your real name.

Your name can't go on the ballot unless you are registered to vote in that state.

Etc., etc.

These are state laws.

Why can't states enact this very sensible law as well? Wouldn't it pass in an election? What election board would object?

If you refuse to lose from the outset, then you can't play. What's the sense of even having an election if someone claims they won't accept a loss?

[MarineCombatEngineer]

11. They can claim all they want,

but that doesn't mean that it will hold any water with the courts.

The bottom line is that there is nothing in the Constitution that prohibits someone who denies the outcome from running and the Constitution trumps state law.

[treestar]

9. One would think it would take care of itself

and nobody would vote for someone who says something that crazy.

The Electoral College really did us a tough one by electing TFG. It causes us to lose confidence in our Constitution, and reveals a number of people are willing to think crazily for things to go their way.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

13. Not their role to accept or not. Losers lose regardless. Plus rights & righteous cases

Non-acceptance creates trouble, yes, but that is after the fact.

Further, what would you advise if a deep Red county actively stuffed ballot boxes with bogus "votes"?
Would you advise just rolling over and accepting it?

There are cases where non-acceptance of a loss is a good thing but they are extremely rare.

And more: not accepting a loss is a person's right to free speech and THE GOVERNMENT CAN'T INTERFERE WITH THAT RIGHT.

That's why. Answered your question three (3) ways, but you won't like any of it.




Now, non-acceptance is very different from telling a vast Twitter audience in December about J6 "Be there! It will be wild!!" and then on J6 telling the crowd "You have to fight to take back your country" and "I will march with you to the Capitol!".

[lindysalsagal]

15. I agree. The entire GQP should resign.

[SheltieLover]

16. Likely for the same reason nearly 50% of Congress is comprised of traitors

[Xoan]

17. Don't be stupid.

That's their game.

[Kaleva]

18. It doesn't matter if they accept it or not

[Mme. Defarge]

19. I think professional sports teams

should refuse to play in any state where political candidates refuse to concede their own losses in legitimate elections. Play by the rules, or else.

[JustAnotherGen]

20. Because the GOP Primary Voters

Agreed with those candidates.

[GreenWave]

21. Just start cursing then now!

That will make us precursors to when they lose by a lot and pretend they won.