Voter Fraud: Myths and Realities in Modern Elections

When discussing the integrity of our electoral processes, the question of voter fraud often arises. This discussion is not without historical context, and recent incidents serve as reminders of why the issue remains relevant. Let's delve into a closer examination of voter fraud, focusing on specific instances, their outcomes, and why claims of widespread voter fraud are far from accurate.

Historical Precedents: Voter Fraud in the 1980s

The late 1970s and the early 1980s witnessed a significant scandal in Brooklyn, New York, where voter fraud had been systematically occurring for over a decade. This case, discovered in 1984, involved corrupt politicians and election officials facilitating voter impersonation over 14 years. According to a Brooklyn Grand Jury report, this fraudulent activity impacted elections in two Congressional races, three New York State Senatorial positions, and four Assembly races.

The fraud was detailed in a New York Times article, which mentioned "repeated fraud including multiple voting by teams of political workers with fake voter registration cards." In response, then-Brooklyn District Attorney Elizabeth Holtzman underscored the importance of tightening electoral procedures to prevent fraud in the upcoming elections.

It is crucial to note that the investigative findings did not advocate for restrictions on voting rights. As the 1984 Brooklyn Grand Jury report stated, 'The Grand Jury is not advocating that existing electoral rights be restricted or unduly encumbered but that safeguards be created to protect those rights from being undermined by fraud.'

Modern Incidents of Voter Fraud

Fast forward to recent times, the 2016 and 2018 elections in rural North Carolina highlighted another instance of voter fraud. According to 2019 indictments, four people pleaded guilty to misdemeanors for their roles in an absentee ballot fraud scheme. At the heart of this issue was Leslie McCrae Dowless Jr., a political operative for the 2018 Republican candidate Mark Harris in Bladen County.

Witnesses at a State Board of Elections hearing described a detailed scheme involving 'ballot harvesting.' Dowless and his assistants collected hundreds of absentee ballots from voters, often offering to put them in the mail on their behalf. The testimonies revealed that voters were directed to collect blank or incomplete ballots, forge signatures, and even fill in votes for local candidates. These actions were part of a clear attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

The consequences for those involved were minimal, with guilty pleas resulting in suspended jail sentences, probation, and community service. Notably, Dowless passed away before he was scheduled to go to trial, and Harris was never charged with any crimes related to this scheme.

Why Voter Fraud Cases Are Rare

It is important to address the relative and localized nature of such cases. While the instances of voter fraud in the 1980s and 2018 North Carolina scandal are significant, they are by no means widespread. The nature of such egregious cases makes them highly visible, leading to extensive investigations and uncoverings.

Addresses these incidences, New York diligently worked to address its problems, implementing stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of elections. However, the effectiveness of similar measures across the nation remains a subject of ongoing debate, with some states still pushing for stricter voter ID laws. These measures, often motivated by political ideologies rather than substantial evidence, fail to address the actual problems of voter fraud, which are extremely rare.

The repeated insistence by Republicans that Democrats are systematically committing widespread voter fraud is unsubstantiated and baseless. These claims are more likely to be fueled by political rhetoric rather than empirical evidence, and they do little to build trust in the electoral process.

Addressing voter fraud and ensuring the integrity of our electoral systems is a complex issue. While historical and recent cases provide valuable insights into the nature of such fraud, it is essential to balance security measures with the protection of voting rights. The specter of fraud should not overshadow the overwhelming reality of a well-functioning democratic process that has withstood numerous challenges over time.