The Truth Behind Inaccurate Votes and Prolonged Counting in Elections

Why can't we count votes accurately, and why does it take so long? The complications stem from the public's expectation of immediate results, coupled with political infighting and the complexities of our electoral system. This article delves into the reasons for delays and uncertainties in election outcomes and provides insights on the ideal conditions for a fair and transparent vote counting process.

The Public's Expectation of Immediate Results

One of the primary challenges in modern elections is the public's expectation of instant results. Traditionally, election results were announced after polls closed, but this has been changing over the years, with new technologies and methods allowing for faster counting and results release.

However, the GOP and other political entities often falsely imply that there are irregularities in our elections. This has led to demands for hand recounts, but no major fraud has been found. Despite this, the public remains skeptical, leading to prolonged and often unnecessary counting processes.

Conditions for a Fair and Transparent Vote Counting Process

The key to an accurate and timely vote count lies in three main areas:

Trust in the Counting Process: It is crucial that people trust those performing the count and the process itself. Trust in institutions and the electoral infrastructure is vital for a fair and just outcome. Clear Legal Framework: Both parties should have the opportunity to observe the counting process, and state laws concerning mail-in and military votes should be clear and consistent. This ensures that all votes are counted fairly and gives confidence to the electorate. Modern Infrastructure: Adequate infrastructure, including online streaming of high-resolution cameras for transparency, can significantly improve the speed and accuracy of vote counting.

Here are some specific steps that can be taken to enhance the reliability of the vote counting process:

Ensuring Observability and Trust

Real-time Observability: Allow both parties to observe the vote counting process at all times, ensuring transparency and trust. No Coordinated Stopping: Avoid coordinated stops in counting processes, which can lead to suspicious delays and perceived irregularities. Protecting Ballots: Secure paper ballots from tampering or trafficking to maintain the integrity of the vote. Regulating Ballot Distribution: Prevent mass mailing of ballots and the use of dropboxes to avoid fraud and confusion. Election Day Voting Only: Limit voting to Election Day with absentee ballots to ensure a more controlled and secure vote counting process. Universal Voting Rights: Implement federal laws requiring paid time off for voting in all states to ensure inclusivity and fairness. State Control Over Voting Laws: Avoid unelected bureaucrats making changes to voting laws; instead, leave it to state legislatures. Avoid Leftist Activists: Minimize the involvement of activist groups in the vote counting process to maintain impartiality. Security Measures: Ensure that no machines or systems are connected to the internet, and use secure, offline counting methods to prevent hacking or manipulation.

These measures aim to create a system where the counting process is both efficient and fair, building public trust and ensuring accurate election results.

Why It Takes Time to Count Votes

Another reason for delays is that it often takes several days to get a final total. This time is needed to ensure every vote is counted, especially in elections with high mail-in and military ballots. State laws can either shorten or lengthen this process, and some states have made it easier by allowing local counties to count mail-in votes ahead of time, with results sealed until the polls close. This approach provides a more accurate and timely final result.

States have the authority to conduct elections according to their own laws and regulations. If you believe your state's process is too slow, it is essential to engage with your state legislature to propose changes that speed up the counting process while maintaining accuracy.

Critique and Resolution

The answer to the inaccuracies and prolonged counting is not straightforward. Critics often cite the lack of trust in election systems, which can be addressed by implementing transparency and clear legal frameworks. The principle of simplicity, known as Occam's Razor, suggests that the simplest explanation is often the correct one. In this case, it may be that there are more straightforward ways to enhance trust and accuracy without drastic changes to the electoral process.

Ultimately, the key to a fair and accurate election lies in a combination of trust, transparency, and a robust legal framework. By addressing these areas, we can ensure that our election systems remain credible and respected by all stakeholders.