Election integrity is taking center stage again in the United States. In Georgia, a recent claim of a flipped vote by a Whitfield County voter brought attention back to this issue. The voter alleged that a voting machine changed his vote on a local ballot question; however, election officials attributed the incident to user error.
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Rome, shared the incident on social media, which quickly fueled broader concerns. Georgia’s Elections Supervisor Shaynee Bryson assisted the voter in resolving the issue, emphasizing that the voting machines are regularly tested and monitored for accuracy.
This incident is part of a larger national dialogue surrounding election security and integrity. According to data from The Heritage Foundation’s “Election Integrity Scorecard,” states vary significantly in election security measures. The Scorecard, which assesses election procedures in all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 50 criteria, covers factors such as voter ID requirements, processes for maintaining voter registration lists, ballot trafficking prevention, and access for poll watchers.
The results highlight a stark contrast in election security across the country. Tennessee ranks the highest with a score of 90, followed by Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, each scoring 83. Conversely, California, Nevada, and Hawaii score near the bottom. Heritage attributes such disparities to differences in voter ID laws, ballot handling, and verification procedures.
The aftermath of the 2020 election spurred many states to reevaluate their voting laws. Twenty-seven states have since improved their scores by implementing reforms such as stricter voter ID laws and banning ranked-choice voting. However, these changes have met with legal challenges, often involving the Biden-Harris administration and civil rights groups who argue these reforms could suppress voting access, despite little evidence of this occurring.
A significant issue looming over the 2024 election is mail-in voting. With a rise in absentee and mail-in ballots, questions regarding the U.S. Postal Service’s ability to handle election mail efficiently are concerning voters and election officials alike. In 2020, nearly 43% of ballots were cast by mail, a substantial increase from previous years. Election directors nationwide have voiced concerns about potential delays, with some urging voters to vote in person.
As the nation approaches another pivotal election, the current state of election integrity demonstrates both improvements and ongoing vulnerabilities. While measures in some states aim to secure election procedures, others face hurdles that could impact voter confidence and participation. With differing standards and contentious litigation on the horizon, these challenges underscore the need for consistency and transparency across the election system, as voters demand reassurance that their votes will be counted accurately.