Concerns Surrounding Voting System Certification and Alleged Manipulation
Introduction:
Shedding light on the potential vulnerabilities and their implications for the democratic process.
Certification and Accreditation of Voting Systems:
The United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) play crucial roles in accrediting independent laboratories to test voting systems. However, the absence of valid EAC certifications has come under scrutiny. The case of Pro V & V, a testing entity, raises concerns as their certification had expired, and no alternative accreditation had been found at the time. With only two accredited VSTLs, the need for thorough testing and evaluation becomes evident.
Role of VSTLs and the Use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Components:
VSTLs are vital in assessing the vulnerabilities and security of election equipment. They evaluate the usage of COTS components in voting machines, ensuring that they meet federal standards. These evaluations are essential for safeguarding the integrity of the voting process.
Pro V & V and Wyle Laboratories:
Pro V & V, owned and operated by Jack Cobb, has connections with Wyle Laboratories, an aerospace defense contracting entity. Discrepancies in address information between Pro V & V and the EAC/NIST listings raise questions about their legitimacy and transparency. Wyle Laboratories' involvement in testing electronic voting systems and their accreditations by the EAC and NASED are worth noting.
The Election Process and Alleged Manipulation:
Maras highlights the multiple steps involved in the election process, including data configuration, vote cleansing, shuffling/mixing, and decryption. Concerns are raised about potential manipulation during the data configuration phase, where pre-tallied votes may be parked in the system. The shuffling/mixing step is described as susceptible to nefarious activities that compromise integrity and verification. The article also mentions the significance of Trap Door keys and commitment parameters for manipulating encrypted ballot data.
Alleged Manipulation and Irregularities:
References are made to irregularities and manipulations in specific states during the 2020 elections, including Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Maras discusses the behavior of algorithms used in the mixing phase, potentially manipulated to achieve desired outcomes. The presence of a spike in votes for Joe Biden, referred to as the "Digital Fix," suggests algorithmic manipulation. Evidence of seeding votes, vote count spikes, and block allocations are presented to support claims of manipulation.
Foreign Interference and Delays in Reporting:
Her research touches upon discussions surrounding election software deployment, funding, and the involvement of the Obama/Biden administration in a particular country. Additionally, the alleged interference by the pro-Russia group CyberBerkut and the deletion of key files in a specific country's election are mentioned. Delays in reporting and finalizing numbers are highlighted, along with the difficulty of proving manipulation or detecting algorithm failure, underscoring the vulnerabilities in the voting process.
Conclusion:
The democratic process should be resilient, secure, and free from manipulation, protecting the rights and trust of every citizen.
Call to Action:
Mandate Paper Ballots:
To ensure transparency and the ability to verify results accurately, it is crucial to require the use of paper ballots in all elections across the country. Paper ballots provide a tangible and auditable record of each voter's choice.
Implement Hand Counting at the Precinct Level:
To enhance the trustworthiness of elections, support legislation mandating the hand counting of paper ballots at the precinct level. This meticulous and accountable process minimizes the chances of errors or tampering.
Promote Same-Day, In-Person Voting:
Preserve the accessibility and inclusivity of elections by implementing same-day, in-person voting for all eligible citizens. This reinforces democratic principles, allowing individuals to cast their votes securely and confidently.
Accommodate Invalids and Deployed Military Personnel:
Ensure provisions are in place for individuals unable to physically attend polling stations, such as invalids and deployed military personnel. Grant them the option to vote by mail, enabling their participation in the democratic process.