The following is a “Letter from a Reader.”
Dear Editor,
As the leader of the Paper Balloting Initiative in Independence County, I am writing to share with our community the critical work we are undertaking to ensure the integrity and transparency of our elections. Our recent initiatives and the overwhelming need for secure voting practices underscore the urgency of transitioning to paper ballots.
This past weekend, our team expanded with 15 dedicated volunteers, equipped and organized to address each part of our county efficiently. We’ve adopted a highly structured approach, using detailed maps to coordinate our efforts, ensuring that we reach every voter and cover every district thoroughly. Our communication and coordination are bolstered by secure platforms, ensuring that our strategy is implemented seamlessly and securely.
In light of the demonstrated vulnerabilities of electronic voting systems, our initiative is not just a precaution; it’s a necessity. Recent findings, including those from the University of Michigan’s analysis of Dominion voting machines, reveal alarming susceptibilities—where malicious entities could alter votes undetected. This risk is not isolated to one type of machine or one location; it is a national concern that we are taking proactive steps to mitigate locally.
The benefits of paper ballots are clear:
- Transparency and Verifiability: Paper ballots provide a physical audit trail that can be verified independently from the electronic systems.
- Security: Unlike electronic systems, paper ballots eliminate the risk of remote hacking and digital tampering.
- Public Confidence: Ensuring that every vote is tangibly recorded restores and maintains public trust in our electoral process.Our recent poll indicates that 58% of Arkansans support a paper ballot amendment, reflecting a statewide acknowledgment of the need for change. Furthermore, 65% express concerns about potential cheating via electronic machines, validating the need for our advocacy and action.
As we continue to engage with the media, including upcoming interviews and editorials, our message remains clear and consistent: the integrity of every vote is paramount. We are also developing educational materials to distribute throughout the community, ensuring every voter understands the importance of this initiative.
Colonel Conrad Reynolds has joined us in advocating for this cause, highlighting the importance of hand-marked, hand-counted paper ballots as the most secure method to conduct elections.
In conclusion, as we advance this necessary transition to paper ballots, we invite every community member, official, and media outlet to join us in safeguarding our democratic processes. It is time for all of us to stand together to ensure our elections are fair, accurate, and secure.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. Your support can help make a fundamental difference in how we preserve the integrity of every vote.
Cheers,
Bryan Norris
First Sergeant, USA (RET)
Temperantia, Justitia, Prudentia, Fortitudo
