GUEST COLUMN, Thad Snider, election integrity advocate
In the wake of recent elections, the integrity of America's electoral process has been called into question, not just by partisans but by concerned citizens across the political spectrum. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) election security grants, introduced during the Trump administration, provided crucial funding to county election offices to bolster their security measures. Reinstating and expanding these grants is imperative to address several pressing issues within our election infrastructure. Here are just a few reasons why I encourage Kansas’ U.S. Senator Jerry Moran to support renewing the HAVA election security grants.
Ensuring chain of custody
A robust chain of custody is the backbone of election security, ensuring that ballots are tracked and accounted for from the moment they are cast until they are counted. Yet, the 2022 general election exposed glaring deficiencies in this area. Ballot transfer forms, which are supposed to have four signatures according to election regulations, frequently had incomplete information.
The lack of uniform laws governing the chain of custody of election-related materials exacerbates the problem. Many jurisdictions rely on rules and regulations rather than enforceable statutes, creating a patchwork system that is vulnerable to manipulation and error. HAVA election security grants could provide the necessary resources to standardize and enforce chain of custody procedures nationwide, ensuring that every ballot is handled with the utmost care and transparency.
Restoring confidence in ballot collection
Ballot harvesting, where individuals collect and submit multiple ballots, is another area ripe for abuse. During the 2020 general election, an overflowing drop box in Johnson County, which broke after just one day, underscored the challenges of managing large volumes of ballots. The current allowance of 20 ballots per person is excessive and increases the risk of fraudulent activity.
Moreover, the lack of transparency surrounding ballot drop boxes is troubling. In Johnson County, camera footage of drop boxes is not available for public viewing due to purported cybersecurity concerns. This lack of transparency erodes public trust and makes it difficult to verify the legitimacy of the ballots collected. HAVA election security grants could fund the implementation of secure, transparent, and publicly accessible monitoring systems, thereby restoring confidence in the ballot collection process.
Enhancing transparency
Transparency is the cornerstone of a trustworthy election system. Unfortunately, many counties are unable to fulfill open records requests related to elections, largely because third-party contractors who program and run election software are not subject to these requests. This opacity prevents independent verification and fosters suspicion about the integrity of the elections.
Reinstating the HAVA election security grants would allow counties to develop and deploy election systems that are fully transparent and accountable. By ensuring that all election-related activities are subject to public scrutiny, we can rebuild trust in the electoral process.
Addressing non-certified equipment and software
The use of non-certified equipment and software in elections poses significant security risks. For instance, Johnson County's use of 4G cellular routers, which connect polling locations to the internet, violates state and federal laws that mandate elections remain disconnected from any network. Similarly, the deployment of Ballot On-Demand Printers and Electronic Pollbooks which connect to the internet contravenes legal requirements and compromises election security.
HAVA election security grants could be used to replace non-certified and insecure equipment with certified, secure alternatives. This would ensure that all election technologies are in compliance with legal standards and protected against external threats.
In conclusion, rejuvenating the Trump-era HAVA election security grants is not just a matter of policy; it is a matter of preserving the integrity of American elections. By addressing critical issues such as chain of custody, ballot harvesting, transparency, and the use of non-certified equipment, these grants can provide the necessary resources to secure our elections. It is imperative that U.S. Senator Jerry Moran act now to protect the sanctity of the vote and restore public confidence in our electoral system.
