| | Published August 14th, 2024
| Upcoming elections trigger new concerns and assurances over ballot security
| | | By Vera Kochan | | |
With the 2024 elections just around the corner, government sources are attempting to ease voter concerns when it comes to the security of the entire process. Skepticism, to say the least, has almost become a watchword with regards to the many ways voters might assume their ballots could be tampered with or altered to reflect a different outcome.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI issued a July 31 joint press release addressing potential Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks during the 2024 election cycle. The purpose of the pubic service announcement was to raise awareness to the possibility of cyber attacks on election infrastructure or adjacent infrastructure that supports election operations that could interfere with the public's access to election information.
"With Election Day less than 100 days away, it is important to help put into context some of the incidents the American public may see during the election cycle that, while potentially causing some minor disruptions, will not fundamentally impact security or integrity of the democratic process," stated CISA Senior Advisor Cait Conley. "DDoS attacks are one example of a tactic that we have seen used against election infrastructure in the past and will likely see again in the future, but they will not affect the security or integrity of the actual election. They may cause some minor disruptions or prevent the public from receiving timely information."
On a local note, Contra Costa County has partnered with CISA to implement resources for securing all aspects of its election infrastructure, describing it as 48 steps for a secure election. There are four major safeguards that include these steps: securing networks, securing facilities, securing processes, and securing people.
Voters can rest easy knowing that system software and equipment is not connected to the internet. Contra Costa County (CCC) takes many layers of steps to insure that technology isn't tampered with, such as "voting systems are tested multiple times before each election to ensure accuracy, stand-alone voting system and tabulators are never connected to the internet (nor do they have modems or hardware in them that could be remotely `activated'), the voting system is physically restricted under lock and key and only authorized personnel are allowed access."
Additional safeguards include "locked USB ports prevent unauthorized access, layers of cyber security measures (multifactor authentication, password policy, staff training) are in place, limited access to key assets by designated staff, network hardening with vulnerability testing, constant and comprehensive scanning for cyber hygiene and penetration testing, firewalls with network segmentation and active monitoring with intercept software, robust backup and patching protocol, strict physical security and chain of custody protocols for all voting technology software, as well as firmware and hardware, and finally, the trusted build of system (the certified version of the software and firmware) is reinstalled before each election."
CCC makes it difficult for anyone to tamper with ballots thanks to limiting access to high-security areas, ID badges and key cards, and 24/7 video surveillance and alarms. All staff must go through rigorous back-ground checks and the proper training to protect ballot security and voting equipment. There are always two people with ballots and equipment at all times.
The public is welcome to observe the preparation of tabulating devices, vote-by-mail processes, central count and election night, canvass procedures, and 1% manual tally. The public is also allowed to apply for the Certified Election Observer Program, which gives behind the scenes access to the election process and ensures that CCC operates with transparency. This program is held in advance of elections, and participants attend classes and tours to observe the processes.
Voters have questioned whether a convicted felon is allowed to vote. CCC states, "Under California law, you are eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older on election day, not currently serving a prison term for the conviction of a felony, and not currently found to be mentally incompetent by a court. A person with a criminal history cannot vote if they are currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony." Once released from prison, under California law, their right to vote is automatically restored and they should register.
CCC assures the public that voting by mail is a highly regulated process and "fraud is nearly impossible due to the number of checkpoints, people, and systems that work together" to keep the vote safe. The drop boxes are made of high-grade metal, are bolted to the ground, and equipped with tamper evident seals, locks, and water/fire proof materials. Also, there are multiple procedures in place to detect if someone has voted more than once thanks to the activity being logged in the voting history system. Cases where a voter has attempted multiple votes are reported to the District Attorney and the Secretary of State Fraud Division for investigation and possible prosecution.
When it comes to counting votes, scanners can't always "read" the vote if there are stray marks, more ovals filled than allowed, or write-in votes. In these cases, the ballot is sent to adjudication where a team of two election officials examines the ballot and makes a joint decision on the voter's intent. Ballots that are damaged (ripped, torn, or stained) can't be put through the scanners and will be duplicated onto a readable ballot by two election officials that will then reprocess it through a scanner.
In a recent press release by CCC Clerk-Recorder-Elections Office, voters should beware of a "potential texting scam asking about voter registration." California voters have been receiving texts asking them to check their registration information through provided links. If anyone receives this type of text message, do not click on the links. Instead, go directly to www.contracostavote.gov and click onto "My Voter Registration" to verify status.
Contra Costa Registrar of Voters Kristen B. Connelly stated, "Remember that your County Elections Office is your trusted source of election information. We are urging our residents to be vigilant and to reach out directly to the County Elections Office if you have any questions about text messages or emails that ask you to register to vote via a link that is not directed to our website."
Misinformation and Disinformation: Election Edition. Join a presentation from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the Lafayette Library on Thursday, Aug. 22 for an eye-opening discussion of the impact of misinformation and disinformation on elections. Learn how to spot fake news, fact-check sources and navigate the complexities of today's media landscape to become a more informed voter and citizen. The presentation by the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley will take place in the Homework Center, 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. Register at https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/events/666b5c05d8f18e57580c645a?blm_aid=32036. Contact programs@lwvdv.org for more information. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA