During a recent government meeting, Clackamas County officials engaged in a robust discussion regarding election integrity, reflecting growing concerns among constituents about the validity of voter rolls and the electoral process. The dialogue was sparked by a pro se lawsuit filed against the Secretary of State, alleging inadequate maintenance of state voter rolls, which has become a pressing issue in the wake of the 2020 elections.
Commissioner Scholl emphasized the importance of accurate elections for maintaining a functional republic, urging collaboration with state lawmakers to revisit the 1987 law that established mail-in voting in Oregon. He highlighted the ongoing challenges of keeping voter rolls updated, noting that people frequently move or pass away, complicating efforts to maintain accuracy.
Commissioner West echoed these sentiments, asserting that skepticism regarding election processes is valid and should be addressed. He pointed to recent findings of ineligible voters on the rolls, raising alarms about the reliability of the current system. West called for a forensic audit of voter rolls to ensure transparency and trustworthiness, advocating for innovative solutions to improve the verification process.
The meeting also featured personal anecdotes from commissioners, including Commissioner Schroeder, who recounted a past election experience marred by alleged ballot tampering. He reassured attendees that the decentralized nature of the U.S. voting system makes it difficult for cyber attacks to succeed, emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement in the electoral process.
Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment among county officials to enhance election integrity and restore public confidence in the electoral system, with plans to further discuss these issues in upcoming sessions. The commissioners expressed gratitude for public engagement, reinforcing their role as representatives of the electorate's concerns.