One of the hottest topics in discussions around elections is making sure elections are free from interference and error (whether domestic, foreign, intentional, or accidental). We've compiled some resources for you to learn about what counts when it comes to election security and how you can feel confident that your vote COUNTS.
A great place to start is the Verified Voting website -- lots of good information about the current status of election systems as well as analyses and recommendations: https://verifiedvoting.org/
The Brookings Institute has a good study of vote by mail -- how it works, and its security status. www.brookings.edu/policy2020/votervital/how-does-vote-by-mail-work-and-does-it-increase-election-fraud/
To protect against machine failure or complex fraud, we need the ability to audit election results, and the practice of routinely doing so. There are several resources that discuss how audits might be performed, best practices, and so on, including on from the LWVUS. The worst possible system is what Camden County has had until recently -- purely electronic voting with no paper record. There is no way to fully audit such a system. You can check for obvious problems like a 90% Democratic town voting 90% Republican, but subtle changes such as an occasional vote being switched would be impossible to detect.
A great place to start is the Verified Voting website -- lots of good information about the current status of election systems as well as analyses and recommendations: https://verifiedvoting.org/
The Brookings Institute has a good study of vote by mail -- how it works, and its security status. www.brookings.edu/policy2020/votervital/how-does-vote-by-mail-work-and-does-it-increase-election-fraud/
To protect against machine failure or complex fraud, we need the ability to audit election results, and the practice of routinely doing so. There are several resources that discuss how audits might be performed, best practices, and so on, including on from the LWVUS. The worst possible system is what Camden County has had until recently -- purely electronic voting with no paper record. There is no way to fully audit such a system. You can check for obvious problems like a 90% Democratic town voting 90% Republican, but subtle changes such as an occasional vote being switched would be impossible to detect.
- Electionaudits.org: In-depth, no frills look at best practices in election auditing
- LWV Election Auditing Report: From 2009 but still relevant
- US Election Assistance Commission