At a recent League of Women Voters meeting, we heard from La Plata County Clerk Tiffany Lee, who spoke about our impeccable election security.
She reassured us that election integrity in the United States is strong, even though some people and officials continue to spread false fears and confusion about the safety of our system. We have learned that most claims of widespread voter fraud or election insecurity lack supporting evidence and underscore the need for clear, factual public education.
For decades, states have built robust systems that allow only eligible citizens to vote and ensure that votes are counted accurately and securely. Today, most voters use paper ballots, which can be audited after the election to confirm results. Election machines and procedures undergo rigorous testing and certification. Bipartisan oversight is a fixture at every level of our elections.
Recently, federal agencies have repeated misleading allegations about noncitizen voting as a problem in our election system. These claims are often used to justify aggressive purges of voter rolls or changes to registration rules, despite years of evidence showing that our systems work well. The federal government now relies on the problematic Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program to check citizenship status. While SAVE is meant to verify immigration status, it relies on incomplete and outdated data that can lead to errors, according to the nonpartisan Institute for Responsive Government.
Officials have tried to ban mail-in voting or “decertify” trusted voting machines, even though these practices are safe and have been upheld in a series of court cases. Investigating or shaming election workers is often used as a political tool that intimidates those working hard to help voters. Actual voter fraud is extremely rare, and when it does occur, it’s usually because of honest mistakes or administrative errors – not nearly enough to affect an election’s outcome.
State and local governments have the authority to run elections, and laws limit how much the federal government can interfere. New executive orders risk unnecessary conflict, especially when they propose interfering with vote counting or restricting mail ballots. For example, according to the nonpartisan Brennan Center, a recent executive order sought to decertify all voting machines, even though the president cannot legally do so, and courts are now challenging the attempt.
These claims create confusion, even though security is stronger than ever. While each state’s procedures are different, states have implemented new safeguards, including intrusion detection and backup voter rolls. Today, 98% of voters use paper ballot systems, according to the Brennan Center’s research, based on data from Verified Voting. Voting machines are rigorously tested and audited, and states have added multiple security layers to protect election integrity. Any dramatic claims about security flaws should be viewed with skepticism, given these safeguards.
The best way to push back against lies and disinformation is to stay informed and involved. Voters, election workers, and groups that support democracy should remain vigilant, rejecting baseless claims and speaking up when they hear them, and trusting the systems that work.
Courts protect the process from fake challenges, and states should ensure their officials have the tools and legal support to resist pressure and intimidation. Above all, voters should refuse to be discouraged or intimidated. Choosing our leaders is the cornerstone of American democracy, and by participating – no matter your viewpoint – Americans help keep our election system fair and trustworthy. Decades of experience show our elections reflect the will of the people. State and local governments run our elections, and federal interference is mainly limited to efforts to undermine public confidence.
Tara Kiene, Liz Mora, Mady Miraglia, Adrea Bogle, Jan Phillips, Wendy Pollak, Nicole Garland, Board of Directors League of Women Voters La Plata, lwvlaplata.org.
