Election Observers Demand Transparency Amid Allegations of Fraud in Washington County Voting Process

Concerns over election integrity and transparency dominated the Washington County Board of Commissioners public meeting on December 10, 2024. Residents voiced serious allegations regarding the handling of electronic ballots and the overall election process, raising questions about the validity of the recent elections.

Jill Latray, a long-time resident and election observer, highlighted significant issues with the electronic voting system, particularly for voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). She reported that observers were unable to monitor critical steps in the ballot processing, including signature verification and the adjudication of ballots that could not be read by tabulation software. Latray emphasized the need for increased transparency, stating, "Election observers need to be allowed close-up observation of every step in the processing of these ballots."

Latray's observations included troubling findings: incomplete forms, duplicate ballots submitted by the same voter, and ballots from ineligible voters being counted. She called for a radical overhaul of the election process to ensure that all steps are observable and that the integrity of the vote is maintained.

Mary Halkiopoulos, another resident, echoed these concerns, urging the commissioners to consider non-certification of the November election results. She pointed out that the voter rolls may contain ineligible voters and emphasized the need for a thorough audit to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. Halkiopoulos argued that allowing ineligible ballots to be counted undermines the electoral process, likening it to accepting counterfeit money.

The meeting underscored a growing demand among residents for greater oversight and accountability in the electoral process. As concerns about election integrity continue to rise, the Washington County Board of Commissioners faces pressure to implement reforms that enhance transparency and restore public trust in the electoral system. The discussions from this meeting may lead to significant changes in how elections are conducted in Washington County, reflecting the community's commitment to ensuring fair and transparent voting practices.