Hey, Those Who Say Voter Machines Can't Be Hacked

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14. Forensic audit

A forensic audit: what it could uncover
A forensic audit involves more than just a recount. It’s a comprehensive investigation that reviews every aspect of the election process to uncover any tampering or errors. Here’s what such an audit could reveal:

Verification of rejected ballots
A core part of any forensic audit would be re-examining the millions of rejected mail-in ballots. If patterns of misapplication of rejection criteria were found, ballots could be restored, particularly in states with narrow margins.

Digital security analysis
Cybersecurity experts would examine the voting infrastructure for signs of digital tampering. Given the bomb threats linked to Russian sources and known attempts to influence U.S. elections in 2016, any signs of hacking or manipulation of tabulation software could be uncovered through such an audit.

Examination of paper ballots
In states where both electronic and paper ballots are used, a forensic audit could compare digital and paper records to identify discrepancies. This could reveal whether the digital tabulation was accurate, or whether machine errors or tampering led to inaccurate results.

International and domestic precedents for forensic audits
Across the globe, democracies have taken swift action to investigate election irregularities, often with far less evidence than exists in the U.S. today. Countries such as France, Germany, and Japan have long-established protocols for handling suspected election interference or malfeasance. These protocols almost always include forensic audits, often triggered automatically when interference is suspected.

France has cybersecurity laws that mandate extensive scrutiny of any suspected foreign interference in elections. If any credible threat is detected, a full forensic audit is conducted to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

Germany similarly requires an investigation if there is any suspicion of interference, even if the evidence is not overwhelming. The country’s commitment to electoral integrity means that any anomaly triggers a full review of the process, from the voting system to the final tabulation.

Mexico and Brazil – with their robust electronic voting systems – have made audits a standard part of their election protocols. Brazil’s system is particularly well-regarded for its automatic audit trails, which ensure transparency and accountability. In Brazil, any discrepancy or technical issue is reason enough to conduct a thorough review of the results.

Countries like Kenya (2017) and Austria (2016) have annulled or altered election results following audits triggered by irregularities, highlighting how forensic reviews can uncover critical issues that may affect outcomes. In Kenya, electronic tampering led to the annulment of the presidential election, and in Austria, discrepancies in mail-in ballots prompted a re-run, where the results were altered.

These cases demonstrate a crucial point: when foreign interference or systemic issues arise, audits are an essential tool for restoring public confidence and ensuring the legitimacy of the election outcome.

Why the US needs this
The 2024 US presidential election is marked by verified reports of Russian interference, bomb threats, and high rates of rejected ballots. In any other wealthy democracy, these factors would have likely already triggered an audit. Although several states have initiated recounts and audits, including Pennsylvania and Michigan, where narrow margins have triggered such processes, some have called for a more comprehensive forensic review of the election. These advocates argue that the stakes are high, and the integrity of the election process should be fully examined in light of verified concerns such as potential interference, technical issues, and high rates of rejected ballots.

The question here is not whether a forensic audit would change the results, but whether it will be allowed to happen in time to ensure that the results reflect the true will of the voters. A forensic audit isn’t just about confirming the legitimacy of an election—it’s about restoring trust in the democratic process. As other nations have shown, audits can uncover critical errors and prevent potential injustice. The U.S. should be no different in ensuring that every vote is counted and that interference—foreign or domestic—is swiftly addressed.
https://www.thecanary.co/global/world-analysis/2024/11/19/forensic-audit-us-presidential-election/