The integrity of U.S. voting systems has been under heightened scrutiny since the 2020 presidential election, with conspiracy theories claiming that machines were manipulated to favor President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump. Despite these allegations, multiple investigations and reviews in battleground states confirmed the accuracy of the election results, with no evidence of widespread fraud. In a notable legal development, Fox News agreed to a $787 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, a leading voting machine manufacturer, to avoid a defamation trial over false claims that Dominion’s machines had rigged the election.
Amid this climate of doubt, election officials across the country have been working diligently to demonstrate the security and accuracy of voting systems in preparation for upcoming elections. Nearly all ballots cast in the 2024 election will have a paper trail, providing a verifiable record in the event of errors or cyberattacks.
What is a Voting Machine?
Voting machines and election technology vary by jurisdiction, but common elements include electronic pollbooks, voter registration systems, and election management systems used to create, track, and issue ballots. Election-night reporting systems then communicate unofficial results. The widespread reliance on technology, while efficient, introduces cybersecurity risks that election officials must carefully manage. For example, many voting systems are kept isolated from the internet, and sensitive data is transferred using secured storage devices like USB sticks. Where internet connections are necessary, private networks are often used to limit exposure to potential threats.
In many parts of the U.S., voters mark paper ballots by hand, which are then scanned and counted electronically. In other cases, voters use computers to make their selections, after which a printed record of their choices is generated for later scanning. This ensures that a paper trail exists for recounts or audits.
Are Voting Machines Connected to the Internet?
In general, voting machines are not connected to the internet, a critical safeguard against cyberattacks. However, in some areas, ballot scanners are permitted to transmit unofficial results via private mobile networks after polling has closed. While this allows for faster reporting on election night, security experts warn that even limited connectivity poses unnecessary risks. Despite this, officials emphasize that paper ballots provide a crucial backup for verifying election results.
Are Voting Machines Secure?
Since Russia’s attempt to scan state voter registration systems for vulnerabilities in 2016, U.S. election security has been significantly bolstered. The designation of election systems as critical infrastructure has allowed the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to offer free cybersecurity assessments and vulnerability testing to election offices nationwide. Jen Easterly, CISA’s director, has assured the public that “election infrastructure has never been more secure” thanks to ongoing efforts by election officials.
However, cybersecurity experts continue to push for additional precautions, particularly in states like Georgia, where some voting machines electronically mark ballots for voters. There are ongoing legal battles aimed at replacing these machines with hand-marked paper ballots, which are considered more secure by some election security advocates. Concerns have also grown over security breaches that occurred in the aftermath of the 2020 election, where Trump allies gained unauthorized access to voting systems in Georgia and elsewhere. Experts warn that these breaches and the public release of sensitive election software have created serious security vulnerabilities, prompting calls for a federal investigation.
Ensuring Accuracy
Election officials employ a range of safeguards to ensure that voting systems function accurately and securely. Physical security measures, such as restricted access to machines and tamper-evident seals, are standard practices. Equipment is rigorously tested before elections, with test ballots run through machines to verify that they count votes correctly. After the election, officials conduct postelection audits and reviews to catch any errors or irregularities.
Approximately 98% of ballots cast in the 2024 election will include a paper record, according to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice. This paper trail is crucial for ensuring that, even in the event of an error or cyberattack, officials can confirm the correct result. Election experts emphasize that these systems, combined with a growing culture of transparency in election management, are designed to protect the integrity of U.S. elections.
In an environment where distrust in voting systems has been stoked by misinformation, election officials are doubling down on security and transparency. They aim to reassure the public that voting systems are secure, accurate, and more resilient than ever before.
