Are Mail-In Ballots Secure? Debunking Fraud Concerns
The 2020 election saw just under 500 fraudulent ballots cast. Out of these 490 bogus ballots, 98 were filled out and mailed from deceased relatives - some even for a diaper brand and a straight red ticket. Realistically, this averages out to less than 10 illegitimate ballots per state out of a total of over 150 million ballots cast.
Key Take-away: There is no evidence to suggest that voting by mail leads to widespread fraud. When rare attempts do happen, the ballots are not counted.
Legal and Academic Consensus: No Evidence of Fraud
It's important to note that there is a complete lack of evidence to support claims of widespread election fraud via mail-in ballots. In over 60 court cases, Mr. Trump's attorneys were unable to produce any evidence. Other cases, such as Bush v. Gore, did not lack evidence; it was produced fairly quickly.
Further Reading: While elections since the Civil War have utilized absentee or mail-in voting, it would be redundant to study the incidence of fraud in each election, akin to studying the sunrise every day. However, such cases do not undermine the robust mechanisms in place to prevent fraud.
Republican Reactions and Misleading Assertions
The opposing political rhetoric often dismisses any evidence to the contrary as irrelevant. Anyone who disbelieves in the security of mail-in ballots is labeled as part of the "Pinky Commie Liberal" group. This deeply rooted distrust, however, is misplaced and often fueled by political propaganda.
Key Point: The lack of evidence for fraud and the high reliability of mail-in ballots have been confirmed by multiple studies, legal cases, and academic researchers. The security of the electoral system is safeguarded by the states and territories, with independent electoral commissions and workers from both political parties.
The Role of Donald Trump and Fox News
The 2020 election results were heavily scrutinized by Republicans, largely influenced by the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump and the political media organization Fox News. Trump, described as a spoiled brat, leveraged these platforms to propagate unfounded claims of fraud.
Explaining the Behaviors: His supporters, who often double down on their beliefs, are driven by a sense of tribalism and a lack of critical thinking. Furthermore, there is a notable racial and cultural divide, where supporters of Trump are more likely to be non-white, non-Christian, or from a different tribe. This divide is often fueled by a need for self-validation, as these individuals struggle to acknowledge their own biases and prejudices.
Call to Action: To address these issues, it's crucial to promote media literacy and critical thinking. Encouraging dialogue and skepticism of authoritarian figures can help mitigate the spread of misinformation and foster a more informed electorate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evidence surrounding the security of mail-in ballots is clear and unambiguous. Despite persistent claims of fraud, the facts and legal precedents show that the electoral system is safe and reliable. It's important for all citizens to trust in the democratic process and support measures that ensure fair and secure voting practices.