Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Voting Technology Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenters urge paper ballots and stronger oaths; director responds on recountability
Summary
Public commenters raised concerns about electronic voting security, cryptographic vulnerabilities and the wording of employee oaths; Election Director James Allen responded that current oaths meet legal requirements and cited Ronald Rivest’s public advice favoring paper ballots with recountable records.
Public commenters at the Delaware County Board of Elections meeting urged the county to move to paper ballots and stronger sworn oaths for election workers, and described technical risks they associate with cryptographic voting systems.
Laura Lewis of Bradner Township urged a return to paper ballots and hand counting after describing cryptographic vulnerabilities she said could allow manipulation of encrypted vote shuffles and cited reports of research access and past hacks. "I think we should go to paper ballots and hand counting," Lewis said.
Karis Coker of Concord Township praised Lewis's research and said the board should require an "oath of allegiance" for all election personnel, including temporary workers. Coker also criticized Board member Scott Alberts's affiliations and said she hoped he would no longer serve on the board.
Election Director James Allen responded to the security concerns by referencing Ronald Rivest of MIT and saying Rivest has publicly emphasized the need for paper-based ballots that can be recounted. Allen also said the county's oaths for employees and temporary workers have been reviewed and he believes they "exceed the requirements under the law," listing that they require adherence to the Pennsylvania and U.S. constitutions and the Election Code.
No policy changes to voting equipment or oath language were enacted at the meeting; commenters were told they had an opportunity to submit formal proposals or pursue legal routes if they seek changes to county procedures.
