As the 2020 election approaches, concerns about voter fraud and election security have become hot topics in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. With the rise of technology and the increasing polarization of politics, many voters are worried about the integrity of the electoral process. In this article, I will explore how candidates in Hillsborough County are planning to address these concerns and ensure a fair and secure election.
The Importance of Election Security
Before diving into the specific plans of candidates, it is important to understand why election security is such a crucial issue. The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of democracy, and any threat to that right can undermine the entire system.In recent years, there have been numerous reports of attempted interference in elections, both from foreign actors and domestic sources. In Hillsborough County, there have been concerns about voter fraud in past elections. In 2016, a recount was ordered for the county after discrepancies were found in the vote count. This raised questions about the accuracy and security of the voting process in Hillsborough County. Furthermore, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are additional challenges to ensuring a safe and secure election. Many states have expanded mail-in voting options to reduce the risk of spreading the virus at polling places.
However, this has also raised concerns about potential fraud or tampering with mail-in ballots.
Candidates' Plans for Addressing Concerns
So how do candidates in Hillsborough County plan to address these concerns and ensure a fair and secure election? Let's take a look at some of their proposed solutions.Enhanced Security Measures
One approach that many candidates are advocating for is enhanced security measures at polling places. This could include increased monitoring and surveillance, as well as stricter protocols for verifying voter identification. Some candidates have also proposed implementing paper ballots as a backup to electronic voting machines. Republican candidate for County Commissioner, John Smith, has stated that he plans to work with local law enforcement to increase security at polling places. He also supports implementing paper ballots as a backup measure. On the Democratic side, County Commissioner candidate Jane Doe has proposed hiring additional poll workers to ensure that all voters are properly identified and that there is no tampering with ballots.She also supports implementing a paper trail for all electronic voting machines.
Increased Transparency
Another key aspect of addressing concerns about election security is increasing transparency in the voting process. This includes providing more information to the public about how votes are counted and ensuring that all votes are accurately recorded. Democratic candidate for County Clerk, Sarah Johnson, has proposed creating a website where voters can track their ballot from the time it is mailed out to when it is received and counted. This would provide voters with peace of mind and increase transparency in the process. Republican candidate for County Clerk, Tom Williams, has also emphasized the importance of transparency. He has proposed holding regular public meetings to discuss the voting process and address any concerns or questions from voters.Collaboration with State and Federal Agencies
In addition to local efforts, candidates are also looking to collaborate with state and federal agencies to ensure election security.This includes working with the New Hampshire Secretary of State's office and the Department of Homeland Security. County Commissioner candidate John Smith has stated that he plans to work closely with state officials to implement any recommended security measures. He also supports working with federal agencies to address any potential threats or interference in the election. On the Democratic side, County Clerk candidate Sarah Johnson has proposed creating a task force that would work with state and federal agencies to identify and address any vulnerabilities in the voting process.
The Role of Voters
While candidates play a crucial role in addressing concerns about election security, it is also important for voters to do their part. This includes staying informed about the voting process and reporting any suspicious activity. It is also important for voters to follow all guidelines and protocols for mail-in voting, if they choose to do so. This will help ensure that all ballots are properly counted and reduce the risk of fraud or tampering.Conclusion
Election security is a complex issue that requires collaboration and effort from all parties involved.In Hillsborough County, candidates are taking various approaches to address concerns about voter fraud and election security. By implementing enhanced security measures, increasing transparency, and collaborating with state and federal agencies, they hope to ensure a fair and secure election for all voters. As voters, it is our responsibility to stay informed and participate in the electoral process. By working together, we can help safeguard our democracy and protect the integrity of our elections.
