DHS aware of mail-in voting risks, yet ignored concerns: Lawsuit
The Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Knew the Risks of Mass Mail-In Voting During the 2020 Election
The Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) were well aware of the risks associated with mass mail-in voting during the 2020 election, according to newly obtained documents. Despite this knowledge, they dismissed concerns raised on social media as disinformation. These documents were obtained by America First Legal as part of their lawsuit against the agency.
Concerns About Election Security and COVID-19 Spread
The CISA documents reveal that officials knew in September 2020 that mail-in voting posed election security risks. They also found no evidence to support the claim that in-person voting would increase the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, officials were aware of the challenges that mass mail-in efforts presented for election officials.
“These documents demonstrate that federal bureaucrats were aware that in-person voting did not spread COVID-19 and that mail-in and absentee voting were less secure than in-person voting, just as President Trump, Attorney General Barr, and others had warned,” said Reed Rubinstein, AFL senior counselor and director of oversight and investigations.
Monitoring Social Media Posts
Despite their knowledge of the risks, CISA contracted consulting firm Deloitte to monitor and target social media posts that spread election misinformation and disinformation. Some of the flagged posts included a conservative online activist accusing Twitter of censoring her posts about voter fraud in Nevada and expressing frustration with Twitter’s Disclaimers about the security of mail-in ballots. Deloitte also informed CISA about a conservative who claimed that Twitter suppressed a story about the Democratic presidential nominee’s son to help him win the election.
A Lawsuit to Reveal Government Collusion with Media and Big Tech
In late 2022, America First Legal filed a lawsuit against CISA to obtain records that would expose the government’s collusion with the media and Big Tech to censor information and shape public opinion. Reed Rubinstein emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “The terms ‘misinformation,’ ’disinformation,’ and ‘malinformation’ are so dangerously vague that they invite bureaucratic abuse. The public has a right to know who decides what information to censor and how the government is using its private sector allies to shape public opinion.”
What lessons can be learned from the events surrounding the 2020 election to improve election security in the future
Reading
Leading up to the 2020 election, the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for election officials. The fear of spreading the virus at polling places led to discussions about implementing mass mail-in voting as a safer alternative. However, experts and officials have long cautioned about the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with this method of voting. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are two federal agencies tasked with protecting the United States from various threats, including election interference and cybersecurity breaches. It is their responsibility to assess and mitigate risks that could impact the integrity of the democratic process. In the case of the 2020 election, their role was crucial in ensuring the security of mail-in voting. Documents obtained by America First Legal reveal that both DHS and CISA were well aware of the risks of mass mail-in voting during the 2020 election. These risks included potential issues such as voter fraud, ballot mishandling, and delays in the delivery and processing of mail-in ballots. However, despite this knowledge, the agencies dismissed concerns raised on social media as disinformation, choosing not to address them adequately. Addressing and dispelling public concerns about election security is crucial for maintaining trust in the democratic process. In a time when misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly, it is the responsibility of government agencies to provide accurate and transparent information. By dismissing concerns about mass mail-in voting, DHS and CISA missed an opportunity to address legitimate worries and reassure the public. Furthermore, the dismissal of these concerns may have contributed to the polarizing environment surrounding the 2020 election. The lack of clear communication from the agencies allowed misinformation to flourish, leading to increased skepticism and doubt among certain segments of the population. The events surrounding the 2020 election highlight the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to addressing election security concerns. Government agencies such as DHS and CISA should prioritize open and honest communication with the public, responding to concerns in a timely and informative manner. By acknowledging potential risks and working to mitigate them, these agencies can help promote confidence in the integrity of future elections. Additionally, there must be continued efforts to strengthen the security measures surrounding mail-in voting. This includes implementing robust verification processes, improving ballot tracking systems, and increasing resources for election officials to effectively handle the influx of mail-in ballots. By addressing these vulnerabilities, the risk of potential fraud and mishandling can be minimized. The Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency knew the risks associated with mass mail-in voting during the 2020 election. However, their dismissal of concerns raised on social media hindered efforts to address legitimate worries and foster public trust. For the future of democratic elections, it is crucial that government agencies take a proactive approach to election security and prioritize open communication with the public. By learning from past mistakes, we can work towards a more secure and transparent electoral process for all Americans.The Importance of Addressing Concerns
Lessons Learned for Future Elections
Conclusion
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