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.