In a critical development that could shake the foundations of electoral integrity in the United States, a group of esteemed computer security experts has urged Vice President Kamala Harris to initiate recounts in key states. This call comes after revelations that voting systems were compromised by allies of former President Trump during the years 2021 and 2022. Their letter, sent on November 13, 2024, explains the serious ramifications of such breaches and emphasizes the necessity for prompt action to verify elections through recounts.

Breach of Trust in Election Systems

The concerns raised by the experts stem from incidents following the contentious 2020 election, during which operatives connected to Trump reportedly accessed voting equipment. They aimed to obtain copies of the very software that functionalities critical to recording and counting votes. Given the unprecedented nature of this breach, the authors assert that this justifies conducting thorough recounts of paper ballots to cross-check the accuracy of the computer-generated results.

The urgency for these recounts is further amplified by the fact that many post-election audits in crucial states are set to occur after official certification. This timing could potentially lapse the opportunity for recounts to be requested, thereby compromising electoral transparency.

Threats Posed by Misappropriated Software

The implications of such security breaches are alarming. According to the letter, having unauthorized access to the voting system software presents the possibility for malicious entities to replicate voting systems. This could enable them to explore vulnerabilities and even cultivate malware designed to alter votes through seemingly innocuous means. Adversaries could exploit the software's code, posing a significant threat to the integrity of future elections.

Calls for Federal Investigation

Despite previous communications with federal agencies—including the Attorney General and the FBI—there appears to have been no substantial investigation into the security risks posed by these incidents. The letter highlights the inadequacy of current local investigations and cites a troubling absence of a federal inquiry into the potential ramifications of the compromised voting software.

Expert Signatories

The letter is signed by prominent figures such as Professor Duncan Buell from the University of South Carolina, David Jefferson from the Election Integrity Foundation, and Susan Greenhalgh from Free Speech For People, among others. Their collective voices represent a strong push towards ensuring that voters' rights are upheld and that election integrity is preserved.

Find the detailed letter here.

This article provides insights into critical security issues surrounding the electoral process and the necessity for immediate actions to maintain public trust in elections. For further information on election protection efforts, visit Free Speech For People.