On January 17, 2025, Louisiana's Republican State Central Committee (RSCC) passed a resolution recommending the adoption of an auditable paper back-up voting system. This decision follows concerns about the security and reliability of electronic voting machines. Louisiana has been one of the last states to use paperless, electronic voting machines for its elections, resulting in the elimination of a verifiable paper trail.
Louisiana's previous attempt to replace its voting systems faced challenges, including legal disputes over the bidding process and public distrust in electronic systems without paper trails. This resolution signifies a renewed push towards reform.
Paper ballots are viewed as a means to ensure that votes are counted accurately and transparently. The lack of a paper trail creates the potential for a significant vulnerability to hacking or manipulation, which is a major concern for those advocating for election security/integrity. The proposed system involves hand-marked, secure, serialized, paper ballots which would be publicly counted.
The initiative is believed to be supported by Governor Jeff Landry, who might invest significant taxpayer money into this new system. Estimates suggest it would cost around $100 million for new voting machines, although a secure paper system would require less funding for training, equipment, and hiring poll commissioners.
While acknowledging the potential cost of implementing a new system, it is arguable that the long-term benefits of a paper-based system, including reduced vulnerability to cyber threats and the ability to conduct hand counts, justify the investment. There is also the concept that spending on paper ballots is a better use of taxpayer money than on potentially insecure electronic systems.
Those concerned about election integrity typically favor systems that allow for greater oversight by the public and political parties. Paper ballots enable manual recounts, which can be observed by party representatives, enhancing transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Public sentiment indicates support for paper ballots over electronic voting machines. This system/reform efforts by the RSCC are seen as a step toward increasing voter confidence in the electoral process.
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