How do we strengthen trust in election results without asking people to accept an opaque process on faith? The interruption of the electoral count on January 6, 2021, frames this May 2025 discussion of state responsibility, public confidence, and the obligation to accept other states' certified results. Trust in the count matters to the union itself.
I consider the different weaknesses of hand counting and hidden machine processes, then draw a demanding comparison with certification of nuclear weapons systems. My proposal combines isolated hardware, transparent code, a paper record for every ballot, independent testing, and publicly verifiable audits. The aim is a process officials and voters can inspect, rather than a count hidden behind a machine. What evidence should officials and voters be able to examine before accepting a result?
Read the essay and sources: https://joelkdouglas.com/2025/05/20/can-we-ever-trust-elections-again/
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/mornings
License code: OFHOYTZTU6ZNPVES
