Written by Andrew Clarke.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, both Democrats and media outlets are beginning to admit the complications associated with mail-in voting, previously touted as a convenient voting method during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Postal Problem
Recent issues with the United States Postal Service, including delayed deliveries, have raised significant concerns about the efficiency and reliability of mail-in voting. Senator Gary Peters, D-Mich., has voiced his concerns directly to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, highlighting potential risks to rural service and the timely processing of election mail. The senator’s warnings reflect a broader anxiety about the ability of the postal system to handle crucial election materials without errors or delays.
Increased Scrutiny and Legal Actions
In Virginia, ahead of the March primary elections, officials urged voters to use ballot drop boxes instead of relying on USPS, citing reports of delayed and missing mail. This shift underscores growing mistrust in postal voting amid crucial electoral events. Similarly, in Connecticut, alleged ballot harvesting incidents during a primary led to a court-ordered redo election, prompting Democratic Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas to recommend in-person voting as a more secure option.
Conflicting Views on Voting Security
The debate over the security of mail-in voting versus ballot drop boxes has intensified. Following a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that declared ballot drop boxes illegal, the Elias Law Group argued that U.S. Postal Service mailboxes are less secure than these drop boxes. This legal battle highlights the contentious nature of how absentee ballots are returned and the perceived vulnerabilities of relying on the postal service.
Government and Bipartisan Concerns
The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has faced criticism for suppressing social media narratives about mail-in voting risks while acknowledging these risks internally. This action raises questions about the transparency and motivations of federal agencies in promoting mail-in voting despite known security concerns.
Historically, the bipartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform, co-chaired by Jimmy Carter and James Baker, expressed reservations about mail-in voting, noting the potential for fraud and the lack of evidence that it significantly increases participation in federal elections.
Republican Response and Strategy Shift
Despite long-standing criticisms of mail-in voting’s security, the Republican National Committee has launched the “Bank Your Vote” initiative. This strategy aims to maximize early voting through legal means, including absentee voting and ballot harvesting, demonstrating a tactical adaptation to the evolving electoral landscape.
Our Take
The increasing acknowledgment of mail-in voting issues by Democrats and the media is a critical step toward addressing the vulnerabilities of our electoral system. As conservatives, we uphold the importance of election integrity and the need for transparent and secure voting processes. It is essential to continuously evaluate and improve the methods we use to conduct elections, ensuring they are both accessible and trustworthy. The shift in Republican strategy also reflects a pragmatic approach to engaging with the existing electoral framework while continuing to advocate for reforms that enhance security and voter confidence. It’s imperative that all parties work together to fortify our democracy against potential abuses and ensure that every vote is counted accurately and fairly.
