This letter is in response to the implied assertion in Rep. John Mills' weekly update (Brookings Register, Jan. 19) that some states other than South Dakota may have election processes that are insecure or otherwise untrustworthy.
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This letter is in response to the implied assertion in Rep. John Mills' weekly update (Brookings Register, Jan. 19) that some states other than South Dakota may have election processes that are insecure or otherwise untrustworthy. In his update, he wrote, “Thankfully, we live in a state that manages elections well.” All credible sources suggest that this was the most secure election in U.S. history. The following from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency underscores this (Nov. 12, 2020).
“The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history. Right now, across the country, election officials are reviewing and double checking the entire election process prior to finalizing the result. When states have close elections, many will recount ballots. All of the states with close results in the 2020 presidential race have paper records of each vote, allowing the ability to go back and count each ballot if necessary.
“This is an added benefit for security and resilience. This process allows for the identification and correction of any mistakes or errors.
“There is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was in any way compromised.
"Other security measures like pre-election testing, state certification of voting equipment, and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s (EAC) certification of voting equipment help to build additional confidence in the voting systems used in 2020. While we know there are many unfounded claims and opportunities for misinformation about the process of our elections, we can assure you we have the utmost confidence in the security and integrity of our elections, and you should too. When you have questions, turn to elections officials as trusted voices as they administer elections.”
All U.S. security agencies have stated that there is no evidence of significant election fraud in any state. So, while we can (and should) be thankful for living in a state that manages its elections well, every other U.S. citizen can rightfully join us in that blessing.
For Rep. Mills to leave the impression that there was election fraud is irresponsible and divisive. We expect better of those elected to public office.
