This morning, June 19, 2024, I witnessed an audit of ballots for Precincts 12 and 18. I want to commend the young people who participated in the audit for their involvement in the electoral and political process. It is crucial for more young individuals to engage in such activities objectively and without bias.
However, I do have some concerns about the audit process. The County Auditor seemed unprepared when giving instructions and guidance on the process. I understand that there have been suggestions for a more effective, efficient, and objective hand counting and verifying process for ballots. The process used today was inefficient and lacked clear instruction, failing to consider voter intent. Even with Secretary of State Monae Johnson present, there was no intervention to correct these issues, despite being informed about hand count training in South Dakota.
While the audit results suggest that vote tabulating machines are accurate, there was an example that highlighted voter disenfranchisement. In one instance, a voter circled the circles on the ballot instead of filling them in per instructions, leading to the machine not counting the ballot. However, during the hand count process, the voter’s intent was clear, indicating a valid vote. Incidents like these can impact election outcomes, underscoring the importance of ensuring voter intent is accurately reflected in the counting process.
It is essential for voters to pay attention to ballot instructions and properly complete them to avoid disenfranchisement. Additionally, counties should conduct hand counts of ballots in a proper, efficient, and objective manner to ensure accurate results. While vote tabulating machines may seem convenient, they are prone to inaccuracies and manipulation, making hand counting a more reliable option for producing objective and accurate results. In conclusion, we must prioritize accuracy and integrity in our election processes to uphold the democratic values of our society.
Sincerely,
Dwight Stadler
Mitchell