Florida: At least one GOP election official wants no part of proposal to hand count ballots | Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix

A bill has been introduced in the Florida House that would allow supervisors of elections to hand-count ballots at the precinct level, a method advocated by conservative voting advocates since Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 election. The proposal, sponsored by Pinellas County Republican Berny Jacques and Lake County Republican Taylor Yarkosky, would give supervisors of elections the option to conduct hand counts at the precinct level. The bill also aims to prevent the Florida Department of State from authorizing voting systems that use hardware or software designed, owned, or licensed by foreign companies. However, some election officials, like Lake County GOP Supervisor of Elections Alan Hays, dismiss the idea of hand counts, calling it “nonsense” and “absolutely absurd.” Read Article

Georgia: Voting machine doubts drive hand count in Spalding County | Mark Niesse/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

n Spalding County, Georgia, a conservative exurb south of Atlanta, an audit involving a hand recount of ballots is underway despite no signs of miscounts or voting machine errors in the recent elections for mayor and the City Commission. The county election board, dominated by Republicans, initiated the hand recount, driven by deep distrust of Georgia’s voting machines. Spalding is one of six Republican-run counties in the state conducting labor-intensive audits of results from ballot scanners, a trend seen in conservative communities across the country that resist voting technology, particularly since the 2020 presidential election. Voting rights activists express concerns that manual audits, driven by suspicion, could undermine faith in elections rather than bolster it, even as investigations and recounts repeatedly debunk fraud suspicions. Read Article

Georgia: Constitutional challenge to voting machines set for trial early next year | Kate Brumback/Associated Press

A federal judge, U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg, has ruled in a lawsuit challenging Georgia’s electronic voting system, determining that the question of major cybersecurity flaws violating voters’ constitutional rights will proceed to trial on January 9, 2024. The activists behind the suit advocate for replacing electronic voting machines with hand-marked paper ballots. Totenberg rejected the state’s request for a summary judgment, stating that there are “material facts in dispute” that must be addressed at trial. The judge urged the involved parties to collaborate on a resolution, emphasizing the importance of discussions, compromises, and legislative action to address challenges to the election system and democracy. Read Article

A third of Kansas election officials have quit because of harassment and conspiracy theories | Dylan Lysen/KCUR

The aftermath of the 2020 election and unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud have led to a significant turnover of election officials in Kansas, with 35 of the state’s 109 officials resigning since 2020. The Kansas Legislature’s Special Committee on Elections has held hearings where advocates for election security changes argued that the state’s voting systems are not safe, but some officials, like Republican Harvey County Clerk Rick Piepho, say the committee is focusing on disinformation and unfounded conspiracy theories. The ongoing scrutiny and criticism of election officials, along with the stress of ensuring election security, are cited as factors contributing to the turnover, which is consistent with a national trend. Despite these challenges, election officials are preparing for the 2024 presidential election, recognizing the importance of their role in American democracy. Read Article

Kentucky: Issue with ExpressVote machines discussed during 2023 Election Recap at Fiscal Court | Spencer Mahon/Richmond Register

Madison County Clerk, Kenny Barger, addressed concerns raised about the county’s ExpressVote ballot marking devices during a county fiscal court meeting, explaining that voters attempting to make a straight-party selection were inadvertently hitting just above the Republican option due to touchscreen calibration issues. Barger emphasized that the reported errors did not result in incorrectly cast votes, and the machines were secure, cost-effective, and convenient. He acknowledged the need to rectify the trust issues stemming from the reported problems and pledged to ensure better accountability from vendors in the future. Read Article

The rural Michigan town fighting against rightwing conspiracy theories | Michigan | Alice Herman/The Guardian

Adams Township in Hillsdale county is facing political divisions, far-right influence, and concerns of potential violence leading up to the 2024 elections. The region has been marked by election conspiracy theories, with a faction called “America First Republicans” emerging from the Hillsdale county GOP. The former leader of the Christian Hutaree Militia, David Stone, now chairs this group. Adams Township recently removed a conspiracy theory-promoting clerk and a far-right supervisor, hoping for stability. The new clerk, Suzy Roberts, faces the dual challenge of navigating new statewide election policies for 2024 and countering false conspiracy theories. The transition comes amid a backdrop of threats, harassment, and tensions in the community, highlighting the broader issues surrounding election administration and security in politically divided areas. Read Article

Michigan: Private eye, secret informant aided voting machine tampering probe | Jonathan Oosting/Bridge Michigan

Private investigator Michael Lynch, who was hired by Stefanie Lambert and Matt DePerno, testified before a grand jury and cooperated with authorities in a case involving an alleged voting machine tampering scheme. Lambert and DePerno were indicted for their roles in the scheme, which prosecutors claim involved testing an illegally obtained voting machine to prove it was rigged against former President Donald Trump. Lynch allegedly hosted Lambert, DePerno, and others in his condominium for the testing. Court records reveal that Lynch provided information to authorities in April 2022, meeting with officials from the Department of Attorney General and state police. Read Article

A Mississippi voting meltdown deserves more attention than it’s getting | Jessica Huseman/Votebeat

The 2023 off-cycle election concluded with overall smooth proceedings, but Hinds County, Mississippi, emerged as a significant exception. Despite high expected turnout for a competitive gubernatorial race, precincts in Hinds County repeatedly ran out of ballots, leading to long lines and frustrated voters. Local officials cited unexpectedly large turnout as the main problem, with some pointing to issues related to 2020 redistricting, which changed precinct lines and split precincts in new ways. While State law requires counties to have ballots for 60% of total active voters, local officials have discretion over distribution. The situation in Hinds County highlights concerns about election preparation and challenges in ensuring adequate ballot supplies. Read Article

Nevada GOP fake electors under state investigation | Tabitha Mueller and Gabby Birenbaum/The Nevada Independent

Nevada’s Attorney General, Aaron Ford, a Democrat, is now investigating six Republicans who falsely pledged Nevada’s electoral votes to Donald Trump in 2020, despite Joe Biden winning the state by 2.4 percentage points. The Republicans, including state party chair Michael McDonald and national committeeman Jim DeGraffenreid, submitted an uncertified slate of electors for Trump in December 2020, following the Trump campaign’s instructions. The investigation marks a shift for Ford, who had previously been silent on the matter, citing that state law might not allow for charges. Other states, like Michigan and Georgia, have brought charges against individuals involved in similar fake elector schemes. The investigation raises questions about the violation of Nevada law, which mandates electors to cast their votes for the popular vote winner and prohibits unauthorized public duties or falsifying records. Read Article

Pennsylvania: Voting rights groups call for investigation of Election Day problems in Northampton County | Peter Hall/Pennsylvania Capital-Star

Voting rights groups, including the ACLU of Pennsylvania and Common Cause PA, are demanding an explanation from Northampton County officials regarding a programming error on the ES&S ExpressVote XL voting machines used in the county that affected ballots on Election Day. The error in the Superior Court retention race forced voters to use emergency ballots, leading to confusion and doubts about the accuracy of votes. The groups are calling for a thorough investigation, a transparent report, and measures to rebuild public trust, emphasizing the need for improved testing procedures and contingency plans. Secretary of State Al Schmidt has pledged to follow up with the county and its voting machine vendor to determine why the error went unnoticed. The incident underscores the importance of addressing voting machine vulnerabilities and ensuring proper contingency plans to prevent similar issues in the future. Read Article

Texas: Harris County’s 2023 election shows progress, work remains ahead of 2024 | Natalia Contreras/The Texas Tribune

Harris County recently faced criticism from a judge for violating state law in the way it calculated the allocation of ballot paper for each polling location, which contributed to shortages and chaos during the 2022 election. The judge upheld the election results but emphasized that the county’s election administration department failed to follow proper procedures in determining the paper supply needed. The law requires officials to calculate paper allocation based on previous comparable election turnout plus a 25% buffer. Harris County did not adhere to this and did not seek guidance from the secretary of state’s office. The judge’s ruling highlighted the need for better planning and adherence to election procedures to avoid similar issues in the future. The county’s newly appointed election chief, Teneshia Hudspeth, expressed commitment to building trust with voters and addressing the problems highlighted in the ruling as the county prepares for the 2024 presidential election. Read Article

South Dakota: Former small-town mayor is behind the rise of electoral activism in the state. He’s just getting started. | Stu Whitney/South Dakota News Watch

Rick Weible, a prominent election denier in the Midwest, played a significant role in South Dakota’s 2022 race for secretary of state by supporting Monae Johnson, a nominee who publicly expressed doubts about the validity of the 2020 election. Weible, a former small-town mayor and Republican Party operative, initially considered running but backed Johnson, viewing her as a candidate who could help reform the system. However, Weible later discovered problems with Johnson’s campaign, alleging it was a “complete fraud.” Despite this, Johnson won with 61% of the vote, supported by far-right delegates. Weible’s influence in the state’s electoral activism, driven by unfounded allegations of rigged voting systems, has contributed to a movement demanding transparency and reforms in South Dakota’s election processes. The state has responded with legislation banning drop boxes and addressing voter-roll updates, residency requirements, post-election audits, and testing of tabulation equipment, reflecting a broader trend in rural Republican states to restrict voting access. Weible, now a vocal advocate for election reforms, benefits from the supportive political environment in South Dakota. Read Article

National: Election offices are sent envelopes with fentanyl or other substances. Authorities are investigating | Christina A. Cassidy, Ed Komenda and Gene Johnson/Associated Press

Authorities are investigating the sending of suspicious letters, some containing fentanyl, to elections offices in at least five states, including Georgia, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington. The letters, some intercepted before delivery, delayed ballot counting in local races. Four of the letters contained the powerful opioid fentanyl. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are treating the incidents as acts of domestic terrorism and working to intercept additional letters. The letters, featuring various symbols and messages, raise concerns about the safety of election workers and underscore the ongoing threats faced by election officials across the country. Read Article

California: Election day in Shasta County comes off with little conflict | Hailey Branson-Potts and Jessica Garrison/Los Angeles Times

Shasta County Registrar-Recorder Cathy Darling Allen and her staff prepared for potential conflicts during Tuesday’s election by installing a 7-foot metal fence inside their office. The county had been embroiled in controversies over voting methods, with a far-right majority on the Board of Supervisors opting for a hand count over using Dominion voting machines, a decision that was later overruled by state officials. Despite concerns, the election proceeded relatively calmly, with minimal conflicts reported. About two dozen supporters of Darling Allen showed up to ensure the security of the vote count. Ultimately, fewer than 20% of eligible voters participated in the election, and the results are expected to be certified by November 22. Read Article

National: One year out: how a free and fair 2024 presidential election could be under threat | Zachary Roth/News From The States

As the U.S. approaches another presidential election, concerns arise over potential threats to the electoral process. Despite arrests and convictions related to the January 6th Capitol attack, there’s little indication of moderation among those who challenged the election. Former President Trump has hinted at seeking retribution if reinstated, an election denier now leads one House of Congress, and threats of political violence influence key voting decisions. A recent poll reveals that 3 out of 4 respondents believe American democracy is at risk, with nearly a quarter suggesting violence might be necessary to safeguard the nation. Experts emphasize the need to assess vulnerabilities and reinforce the electoral system against potential subversion, chaos, voter suppression, and administrative challenges. Read Article

National: Why countering false election claims may be harder in 2024 | Shannon Bond and Miles Parks/NPR

Election officials and experts express concerns over the growing pressure from the political right, led by figures like former President Donald Trump and GOP Congressman Jim Jordan, that has framed efforts to combat election misinformation as censorship. A campaign of legal and political pressure has led to the scaling back or dismantling of tools and partnerships designed to address falsehoods, even as foreign threats and concerns about misinformation persist. Instances like the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security’s Disinformation Governance Board and a lawsuit alleging collusion between the Biden administration and social media companies have contributed to a chilling effect on efforts to combat election-related rumors and conspiracy theories. This pressure has also affected social media platforms’ willingness to police false claims and misinformation, raising concerns about the ability to counter election-related falsehoods effectively. Read Article

National: Microsoft, Meta detail plans to fight election disinformation in 2024 | Brandon Vigliarolo/The Register

Microsoft and Meta have unveiled initiatives to address misinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, although the effectiveness of these strategies remains uncertain. Microsoft’s five-step election protection plan, set to be implemented in several countries with critical elections in 2024, includes a Content Credentials service for digital watermarking of images and videos to verify authenticity. However, concerns exist regarding its recognition in Chrome and other web browsers and the potential for metadata tampering. Microsoft also plans to offer advisory services to political campaigns on handling AI and cyber influence, establish an Election Communications Hub, and support legislative changes against harmful uses of technology like the Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, introduced in the US Senate in September. Meta, on the other hand, is focusing on ad transparency, requiring disclosure for digitally manipulated or altered content in social, electoral, or political ads, aiming to combat misinformation disseminated through ads. This change will be implemented globally in 2024.  Read Article

National: Readying an Election Administration Workforce for What Comes Next | Carl Smith/Governing

The Election Workforce Advisory Council, established by The Elections Group in partnership with the Bipartisan Policy Center, aims to address the evolving role of election administrators in the U.S. As the responsibilities of election officials have expanded to include IT management, legal compliance, cybersecurity, and public health measures due to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and increased security threats, the council will work on long-term projects to enhance training, recruitment, and retention of election administrators. The initiative is expected to help adapt to the changing demands of the role and provide support for election officials, particularly as many have left their positions in recent years. Read Article

California: Shasta County’s ballot counting controversy came to a surprising end Tuesday. What happened? | Damon Arthur and David Benda/Redding Record Searchlight

The election in Shasta County gained significance due to a dispute over how to count the ballots, drawing observers from across the state. The main focus was selecting a new member for the Gateway Unified School District board and deciding on a new fire protection district in Shasta. The disagreement led to Shasta County becoming the only one in the state to tally votes by hand, a decision opposed by Registrar of Voters Cathy Darling Allen. Despite a new law against hand counting, Chairman Patrick Jones threatened legal action to continue it. Voter advocacy groups expressed concerns about integrity, prompting observers from various organizations. Media coverage highlighted the statewide importance of the election. Read Article

Connecticut: How a nullified mayoral primary election became a rallying cry for Trump supporters | Marshall Cohen/CNN

An illegal voting scheme has become a rallying point for former President Donald Trump and his supporters who continue to propagate false claims about the security of the 2020 elections and are seeking to sow doubt ahead of the 2024 presidential contest. While election experts argue that fears of widespread fraud in U.S. elections are exaggerated, the case in Connecticut underscores potential vulnerabilities with mail-in voting. A state judge recently nullified the results of September’s Democratic mayoral primary in Bridgeport, ruling that allies of the incumbent mayor violated state law by stuffing hundreds of ballots into dropboxes. This incident has been seized upon by right-wing figures, including Trump and Elon Musk, to bolster unfounded claims of nationwide vote-rigging. Read Article

Kentucky: Madison County Clerk pushes back against ballot-marking machine manufacturer claims | Ricky Sayer/Lex18

ES&S claims the ExpressVote ballot marking devices used in 23 Kentucky counties, where at least seven faced reported touch screen issues, were working as designed. Madison County Clerk Kenny Barger responded that that may be true, but if it is, it means the machines were poorly designed. “They’re designed for voters, not election experts,” said Barger. “It’s voting, it has to work well for the voter.” Some voters experienced issues with the machines recognizing clicks on the check-box for a straight Democratic ticket as a Republican straight-party ticket. The manufacturer plans to remove the check box in future versions of the machines. Read Article

Mississippi: A cyber breach delays poll worker training in Hinds County before the statewide vote | Associated Press

In Mississippi’s Hinds County, election officials faced a time crunch to complete necessary poll worker training after a computer breach in early September hindered their access. Typically, this training is finished by early October, well in advance of the November general election, but due to the breach, staff had to work up to the deadline to complete it. Federal authorities are currently investigating the incident. While the cyber incident did cause a slight delay in voter registration processing, it was resolved within a few days, and all applications were processed before the October 10 deadline. Read Article

Montana: Officials tout progress with new election management software | Alex Sakariassen/Montana Free Press

Montana state officials express confidence in the readiness of the new ElectMT election management software, developed by by KNOWiNK, after testing it in local elections this year. While acknowledging some bugs and routine changes, the elections manager stated that overall feedback from county election administrators has been positive. ElectMT officially replaced the 17-year-old Montana Votes system in January 2023, serving as the central hub for voter registration and reporting election night results. Specific improvements include the ability for voters to track school and municipal ballots, accurate mapping of voter addresses, and ongoing efforts to enter newly redrawn legislative boundaries for next year’s state elections. Read Article

Oregon: Petitioners fail to put hand-counting on the ballot in Douglas County | Roman Battaglia/Jefferson Public Radio

Three board members of the Douglas County Republican Party have faced repeated denials in their attempt to get a petition approved, which aims to require the county to hand-count ballots in future elections. They’ve submitted six petitions since last year, all of which have been denied by the County Clerk. The latest proposal was turned down in mid-October. One of the petitioners argues that electronic voting machines lack transparency and cannot be checked by the public, emphasizing the importance of decentralized decision-making in the electoral process. The County Clerk maintains that the latest petition did not meet the requirements of being a matter of county concern and legislative, and declined to offer further clarification. The Secretary of State’s office states that these terms do not have official definitions, leaving it up to the county clerk to assess if the initiative aligns with state constitutional requirements. Read Article

Pennsylvania: Voting machines in Northampton County misprinted votes on paper ballots | Carter Walker/Votebeat

A programming error in Northampton County’s voting machines led to votes for two Pennsylvania Superior Court candidates being incorrectly printed on voters’ paper ballots, although officials assured that the correct selections were recorded on the machines. Pre-election testing should have caught the issue before the November 7 election, but it was incomplete. The problem only affected the judicial race printout, and the tabulation will accurately reflect voters’ intentions. The county’s spokesperson acknowledged that the issue should have been identified in pre-election testing and emphasized the error was limited to one race. The voting machine manufacturer accepted responsibility for the labeling error causing the problem. Read Article

How a Pennsylvania judge of elections handled a “hectic” polling place | Carter Walker/Votebeat

Jay Schneider, overseeing his polling place in Caln Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, on his first Election Day as a judge of elections, faced initial challenges with staffing and coordination. Despite a rocky start, Schneider, who transitioned from a poll worker role, managed the precinct efficiently, addressing issues, adapting to higher-than-expected voter turnout, and collaborating with support from the county’s emergency operations center and additional poll workers. While acknowledging the stress and learning curve, Schneider expressed satisfaction in contributing to the election process and helping voters cast their ballots, emphasizing the importance of refining operations for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Read Article

A former Utah county clerk is accused of shredding and mishandling 2020 and 2022 ballots | Mead Gruver/Associated Press

Former Juab County Clerk/Auditor Alaina Lofgran in Utah is facing charges for allegedly mishandling and shredding ballots from both the 2020 and 2022 elections, involving approximately 5,000 voters. It is alleged that she violated the law by allowing ballots to be shredded after the 2022 election when they should have been preserved for at least 22 months for potential recounts. Additionally, Lofgran is accused of improperly storing 2020 election ballots in an accessible basement storage room, contrary to state law which mandates secure storage. The charges include three felonies and other counts related to the neglect of duty, destruction of ballots, and misconduct. The allegations do not imply a political motive, but rather a violation of election law. Read Article

Virginia county stumbles in the first election after its conspiracy-fueled staff exodus | Jane C. Timm/NBC

Buckingham County was the last Virginia locality to post unofficial tallies Wednesday morning, causing concern and frustration among voters and cndidates. The delay was attributed to difficulties in inputting results, according to a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Elections. Earlier this year, baseless allegations of voter fraud led to the resignation of four election staff members and the hiring and subsequent firing of a replacement registrar, with Ginger Chiesa eventually taking over and working to restore confidence in the voting process. Despite smooth voting operations, the delay in reporting results left some feeling disheartened and concerned about potential controversy. “Of course I’m happy with it,” commented Paul Garrett, a candidate for the county Board of Supervisors. “But in the midst of all this stuff that’s going on now, it’s going to be another hotbed for controversy.” Read Article

Wisconsin Governor to sign amended bill that will allow clerks to begin processing ballots a day early | Hope Karnopp/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Governor Tony Evers is expected to sign a bill allowing clerks in Wisconsin to begin processing absentee ballots a day early, following bipartisan support in the Republican-controlled Assembly. The legislation aims to address concerns about late processing leading to voter confusion and conspiracy theories. The bill, which mandates Monday processing for central count communities (those processing all absentee ballots in one location), also includes provisions for clerks to periodically report ballot counts and for circuit courts to promptly inform the Wisconsin Elections Commission about voters deemed ineligible. Some proposed amendments, such as prohibiting early running of ballots through voting equipment, were removed in favor of increased efficiency, according to clerks. Read Article

California: Shasta County ditched its Dominion voting machines. Now, residents are braced for turmoil on Nov. 7 | Jessica Garrison and Hailey Branson-Potts/Los Angeles Times

Shasta County, with a predominantly Republican population, is on edge as it nears its local election, with concerns of potential unrest or violence. The Board of Supervisors, leaning far-right, aimed to hand-count ballots after unproven voter fraud claims, but Governor Newsom intervened and signed a law limiting counties from doing so. The county registrar, Cathy Darling Allen, plans to follow state law and use newly purchased machines, which has sparked outrage among residents subscribing to election fraud conspiracy theories. This situation is emblematic of the larger trend of election officials facing threats and intimidation across the country. The standoff in Shasta is closely watched as a precursor to the 2024 elections, and experts express concern over the escalating rhetoric and division in modern American democracy. Read Article