Gold Standard Elections Recommendations

Read our whitepaper below on how we can accomplish safe elections in SC

Here is a summary of some of the action steps needed.

Phase 1: Voter Registration: controls who and how many ballots are issued

  • In-person registration with valid ID and proof of citizenship at least every 4 years (affidavit and confirmation of legitimate domicile)
  • Paper “library card” system of voter rolls sorted by precinct at the county with redundant read-only computer copy
  • Separate database for active and inactive/archived
  • Voter rolls free of charge, downloadable online-Active, inactive, archived

Phase 2: Voter Validation: controls the legitimacy of ballots eligible for tabulation

  • Ongoing validation of rolls; if the voter is activated after inactive status, they must re-register.
  • Paper Poll Books- confirm accuracy against paper card system and freeze 30 days before an election-no new registrations beyond this point
  • Voter must have a valid current ID at the time of voting
  • Periodic checks of voter qualifications and status to ensure accuracy

Phase 3: Marking and Counting of Ballots: controls when/where/how the votes are counted

  • One day of voting, a state/federal holiday (early voting is discouraged)
  • Hand-marked, Hand-counted Paper Ballots
  • Ballots must employ security features and procedures
  • Secure transfer of ballots by LEO with detailed logs
  • Increase poll workers to ensure timely counting (before midnight)
  • Count where cast at the precincts which should be small, <1,500 electors; penalties for violations
  • Sequentially numbered but random (pick a card)
  • Observable by the public and live-streamed and/or recorded if possible
  • Strong chain of custody measures
  • Public access to chain of custody docs
  • Procedures for COC must be published and election workers trained
  • Absentee balloting-minimal and also sorted and counted at their precinct (secure transfer from county)
    • Do not open absentee ballots until counting commences
    • Sequential numbering used to track and reconcile prior to count
  • Disability provisions – ADA and curbside

Phase 4: Election Night Results Reporting: controls what results are  ultimately reported and certified in a timely manner

  • Tally results are provided on summary totals sheets, which are then sealed and reported to the county and state and posted on the precinct door.
  • Ballot counting is open to the public and can be recorded with a cellphone camera mounted over the tally sheets, ballots, and total sheets
  • Vote results shall be provided to all citizens within 24 hours of the count, preferably posted on county websites.
  • All election records should be free of charge to citizens

Download the whitepaper above for more info.

Here is a video for more details on the recommendations above:

Here is a related blog.