During a recent government meeting in Polk County, concerns regarding election integrity took center stage as several residents voiced their apprehensions about the current voting system. The discussions highlighted a growing mistrust among citizens regarding the accuracy of voter rolls and the overall security of the election process.

One resident, who previously served as a poll worker, recounted the rigorous training and safeguards that were in place before Oregon transitioned to mail-in voting. They emphasized the importance of having bipartisan volunteers at polling sites and the meticulous process of verifying voter identities and counting ballots. This individual, along with others, called for the reinstatement of similar safeguards to enhance trust in the electoral process.

Yanita Branigan, another speaker, referenced a quote from the Oregon Attorney General, warning about the vulnerabilities of voting systems to physical and wireless attacks. She expressed frustration over what she perceives as a lack of transparency from local officials, urging them to address the concerns of constituents who feel disenfranchised.

Penny Ryan, chair of the Polk County Republicans, echoed these sentiments, asserting that while the county clerk's staff is competent, the overarching control of voting records by the state undermines local authority. She presented claims of inaccuracies in voter rolls, including instances of deceased individuals voting and allegations of voter impersonation.

Virginia Hall, a guest from Clatsop County, raised additional concerns about the potential for ballot fraud, particularly among transient populations who may receive multiple ballots. She argued that the financial implications of inaccurate voter rolls, including wasted resources on mass mailings, necessitate a reevaluation of the current system.

The meeting concluded with a call for local officials to consider taking back control of voter rolls and counting processes, similar to actions taken in other states. Residents expressed a commitment to continue advocating for transparency and integrity in elections, emphasizing that their voices must be heard in the democratic process.