Understanding Voter Fraud: A Comprehensive Guide

Voter fraud is a topic that often sparks intense debate and alarm, especially in the context of elections. However, far from the sensational claims made by some politicians and media outlets, voter fraud is actually an extremely rare occurrence. This article aims to provide a clear, evidence-backed overview of voter fraud, its rarity, and the various methods used, with a particular focus on ballot harvesting and impersonation fraud.

How Common Is Voter Fraud?

Many researchers have dedicated significant time and resources to studying voter fraud, particularly impersonation fraud, which involves a voter pretending to be someone else at the polls. Such claims have been used by states to justify stricter voter ID laws. According to Justin Levitt, a law professor at Loyola Law School, who tracks such cases, only 31 incidences of impersonation fraud were identified across the U.S. between 2000 and 2014. This is out of over a billion ballots cast during that period.

In the context of total nation-wide ballots cast from 2000 to 2014, the numbers are staggering:

Total number of ballots cast: Approximately 1 billion nationwide Total number of intentionally fraudulent ballots cast: 31 nationwide (a startlingly small figure)

Types of Voter Fraud and Techniques

While impersonation fraud is the most frequently discussed type of voter fraud, other methods exist and can be more pernicious. Here are several techniques used in voter fraud:

Ballot Harvesting

In regions where voters are mailed their ballots, a technique known as ballot harvesting can become prevalent. Ballot harvesting involves the unauthorized collection of completed ballots. These can be suspicionally obtained, legally voted, or even purchased. In cases where the individuals receiving the ballots lack the mental capacity, they can be influenced or coerced to vote for a particular candidate. The primary vulnerability in this method lies in the lack of adequate internal controls within the states.

Use of Mules for Ballot Trafficking and Harvesting

Mules are often used in instances of ballot trafficking and harvesting. These individuals are used to submit any number of ballots, typically without the need for proof of identification. This makes the process of falsifying the electoral results much more feasible. The voter registration rolls and the ballot submission processes are often fraught with inadequate controls, allowing for this kind of manipulation.

Voter Rolls and False Names and Addresses

Another common method is the registration of non-existent voters with false names and addresses. These fraudulent voters can be registered without proper identification or verification, and their names are sometimes added to the voter rolls without proper scrutiny. Once on the rolls, these individuals can vote, completing and mailing their ballots without any legal or ethical oversight.

Voting Registered Voters

In some cases, the records of valid voter registration can be purchased. Using these records, individuals can submit fake ballots on behalf of registered voters who did not vote. This is a form of voter impersonation, but on a larger scale. In California, where the author has worked as a poll watcher, instances have been reported where individuals showed up to vote, only to be told they had already voted.

Beyond Traditional Fraud: Modern Threats and Manipulation

Beyond traditional forms of voter fraud, there are more modern and covert methods of interfering with the electoral process. These can include:

Hacking Electronic Voting Systems

The security of electronic voting systems has become a significant concern. Hacking these systems to alter the vote count is a real threat, although reports of such incidents are rare. The integrity of the systems is crucial in maintaining the trust and transparency of the electoral process.

Exerting Undue Influence

Manipulating media, spreading misinformation, and using legal tactics to intimidate voters or influence election outcomes are other forms of voter fraud. Prominent legal experts and political figures, such as Stacy Abrams and Marc Elias, have raised concerns about these tactics. Additionally, international manipulation by intelligence agencies has also been alleged, though thorough evidence is often lacking.

Conclusion

Voter fraud is a serious concern that must be addressed to ensure the integrity of our democratic system. However, the overwhelming majority of reported incidences are either unsubstantiated or involve extremely limited instances of impersonation fraud. Traditional forms of ballot trafficking and harvesting are more prevalent, but they can be mitigated through improved internal controls and stricter voter registration processes. As technology evolves, ensuring the security of electronic voting systems is paramount. It is essential to maintain a balance between transparency and security to maintain trust in the electoral process.