Look, I don’t want to suggest that there’s anything malicious going on. I don’t want to jump to conspiracy theories, accuse anyone of rigging anything, or make claims that I can’t substantiate.
But ya know what? The whole situation with the voting machines and ballot-counting problems happening in New York today has me feeling a little less than confident about this entire process.
And honestly, I don’t think I’m alone in that.
We’re talking about Election Day. People are showing up to polling locations, casting their ballots, exercising their right to vote, and then we’re hearing about machines not working properly, ballots having to be collected separately, and votes potentially needing to be counted later.
Now, I understand that technical problems happen. Machines malfunction. Equipment breaks. Things don’t always go according to plan. I’m not suggesting that every technical issue is evidence of something sinister.
But come on. Can we at least acknowledge how concerning this looks?
And here’s another thing I want to address. Regardless of what exactly happened, I think there’s a pretty significant failure of preparation here.
The election boards, the people responsible for maintaining and operating this equipment, the voting machine manufacturers, and everyone else involved in making sure this process runs smoothly should have made damn sure these machines were working properly BEFORE Election Day.
That’s literally part of their responsibility!
Now, look, I’m not unreasonable. I understand that there are things you simply cannot anticipate. Sometimes unexpected problems happen despite everyone’s best efforts. That’s life.
But there’s a difference between an unforeseeable problem and failing to adequately prepare for something that should have been tested and checked beforehand.
And frankly? I’m not particularly interested in being charitable about this one. I find it unacceptable.
People have a right to expect that when they show up to vote, the equipment necessary to process their ballots is actually going to work. They shouldn’t have to deal with unnecessary confusion, uncertainty, or questions about whether their votes will be counted because the people responsible didn’t get their act together beforehand.
I don’t want to be pessimistic. I really don’t. I want to have confidence that our elections are being conducted properly, that people’s votes are being protected, and that every single ballot will actually be counted.
But fuck it. At this point, I can’t help but feel a little pessimistic.
And that’s probably the most frustrating part. People should be able to go out, vote, and have confidence that their voices will be heard. They shouldn’t have to spend Election Day wondering whether their ballots are going to make it through the counting process.
So here’s what I want: transparency. Accountability. Clear explanations from election officials. And, above all else, confirmation that every ballot cast is properly secured and counted.
I’m not accusing anyone of anything. I’m not claiming there’s some grand conspiracy happening behind the scenes.
I just want to know that our votes actually count.
Is that really too much to ask?
Every vote should count. Period.