Ensuring Secure Mail-In Voting: Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Fairness

The ongoing debate around secure mail-in voting has seen various arguments both for and against expanding this practice. Critics often point to the risk of voter fraud, raising questions about the integrity of mail-in voting. However, after analyzing several key factors, it becomes evident that while challenges exist, they are not insurmountable. This article explores the measures that can be taken to ensure secure mail-in voting and highlight successful practices used in some states.

Verification and Authentication

The concern about voting by mail being susceptible to cheating stems from the lack of immediate verification. Yet, several states have implemented robust systems to ensure the security and integrity of mail-in ballots. For instance, ballots can be matched against existing voter rolls, with one ballot per voter on file. This method significantly mitigates the risk of duplicate voting.

Another safeguard is to ensure each absentee ballot is uniquely personalized. This not only adds an extra layer of security but also deters fraudulent activities. Voter fraud is a serious crime, and the judiciary has historically used penalties like imprisonment as a deterrent. The stringent laws in place make it a non-trivial endeavor for malicious actors to engage in such activities.

Data and Success Stories

Despite the concerns, data from several US states reveal very few issues with mail-in voting. For example, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, and several counties in California exclusively use mail-in voting for their citizens. These regions report minimal problems and demonstrate that widespread mail-in voting can be managed effectively. In the 2018 election, 25.8 million ballots (31 million submissions) were cast by mail or absentee, highlighting the scale and efficacy of this voting method.

Some specific areas of concern include situations where individuals are assisting others to vote, such as those in long-term care facilities. However, incidents of such fraud are rare and often result in legal consequences. For example, in North Carolina during a state election in 2020, a Republican operative was charged for helping others to vote absentee. Such cases underscore the rigorous measures in place to prevent and penalize voter fraud.

Third-Party Reviews and Mitigating Factors

Several reputable institutions have analyzed the data supporting the claims of mail-in voting fraud. The New York University (NYU) Brennan Center, for instance, published a comprehensive review of the data, titled, 'The False Narrative of Vote-by-Mail Fraud.' This report dissects the arguments against mail-in voting and highlights the low incidence of fraudulent activities.

Furthermore, critics often argue that combining mail-in voting with a lack of voter identification or verification creates an opportunity for widespread election manipulation. However, this is a political narrative designed to provide a rationale for limiting access to voting. The reality is that many states have implemented strict ID verification and other security measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

In conclusion, while concerns about mail-in voting being prone to cheating are understandable, the evidence and practical measures in place indicate that these fears are largely unfounded. Robust verification systems, stringent laws, and data-driven evidence demonstrate that mail-in voting can be a secure and efficient method of voting, ensuring a fair and democratic election process.