State Treasurer Lynn Chapman warns of electronic voting system vulnerabilities

Concerns over electronic voting systems took center stage during the Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections meeting on April 10, 2025. State Treasurer Lynn Chapman, representing the Independent American Party, raised significant alarms about the vulnerabilities of these systems, emphasizing that while they may incorporate security measures, they remain susceptible to cyber attacks.

Chapman highlighted potential threats such as software vulnerabilities and unauthorized access attempts, warning that a successful cyber attack could severely undermine public trust in the electoral process. She pointed out that reliance on technology could lead to technical malfunctions, which might delay elections or even disenfranchise voters. "Technology is not always good," she stated, referencing recent issues with communication lines during public testimonies.

Another critical point raised by Chapman was the lack of a voter-verified paper audit trail in some electronic voting systems, particularly Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) machines. This absence raises doubts about the integrity and verifiability of election results, complicating the auditing process.

In addition to these security concerns, Chapman criticized proposed changes to candidate filing deadlines, suggesting that moving them to the first two weeks of February would clash with holiday preparations, making it difficult to recruit candidates and hold conventions. She warned that extending campaign periods would likely lead to voter fatigue, as people are already overwhelmed by political advertisements.

The discussions at the meeting underscore the ongoing debate about the balance between technology and security in the electoral process, with Chapman’s insights calling for a reevaluation of how elections are conducted in Nevada. As the committee continues to deliberate, the implications of these discussions could shape the future of voting in the state.