Election hullabaloo
Is the commotion about election integrity justified? Leah Anderson, the Republican Candidate for Minnehaha Auditor, gives us an inside look at some of the election concerns in South Dakota.
Some issues in South Dakota, like election tallies changing for over a year after an election is certified, are obvious problems.
Sunlight is the best disinfectant.― William O Douglas
Other concerns have less clear answers. Should we be tallying votes in the precincts, counting with machines, or both? Should there be audits to make sure the totals are accurate? Should drop boxes be allowed or prohibited? Should people who do not live in South Dakota be voting in our elections? Is it OK for eight people, six of whom don’t live at that address, to be registered at one house? Should retirement home staff be “helping” residents with voting?
Fortunately, South Dakota voting laws are available online which means citizens can read the laws, ask questions when things appear to be out of compliance, and work with elected officials to change the laws when they are unclear or do not do enough to protect the integrity of our elections.
As an example, there have been questions about whether we should be tallying votes in the precincts. Interestingly, the South Dakota law provides instructions for hand counts in the precincts and an option for counting by machine.
12-20-5. Count of votes for candidates--Scrutiny of ballots by precinct deputies--Decisions on disputed ballots.
The votes for the several candidates shall be counted in the order in which the candidates occur upon the ballots. At least two precinct deputies, of opposite political parties, shall scrutinize each ballot with the precinct superintendent acting to break any tie vote of the two precinct deputies ruling on a ballot. As the vote is announced two precinct deputies shall make the mark required on the tally sheets.
12-20-11. Entry of precinct vote on unofficial return list--Return with election returns.
When the vote count is complete, the members of the precinct election board shall enter upon the blank list the true number of votes cast in the precinct for each person, measure, law, or amendment which appears upon the official ballot, and shall enclose the completed list in the envelope described in § 12-20-10. The precinct superintendent or precinct deputy chosen to deliver the election returns to the officer in charge of the election shall return the completed list separate from any other envelopes or wrappers returned at the time the election returns are delivered.
One has to wonder if hand counting in the precincts, as outlined in the law, and double checking counts with machines would reduce anxiety about the election results.
Clean, honest elections are critical for the long term health of our country, state, and county, so I would do everything in my power to increase transparency and verify election results so people feel comfortable with the outcomes.
I need your support if we're going to get the job done! Please help me get the message out to voters in the next few weeks by CLICKING HERE. Early voting is starting this Friday, September 23rd!"