As the national conversation around election security and integrity continues, the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) has released a statement on the state of election integrity. One of the organizations charged with oversight on election best practices, NASS membership consists of secretaries of state from across the United States; individuals whose office are in charge of local state elections. Continue below to read their statement in full along with links to their open letter regarding cybersecurity to Congress, a link to State voter hotlines and information on state laws on authorized poll watchers and voter challenges.
Statement by the National Association of Secretaries of State on Election Integrity
For Immediate Release
October 18, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) today released the following statement regarding election integrity:
The members of the National Association of Secretaries of State cannot allow unsubstantiated claims calling into question the systemic integrity of the election process to shake voter confidence or disrupt voting in the run-up to Election Day on November 8th. With concerns about “rigging” and “hacking” elections permeating media coverage of the presidential campaigns, state election chiefs want to assure Americans that our process is fairly administered and well-secured, with built-in structural safeguards to ensure honest outcomes and accurate results.
Open Letter to Congress on Cybersecurity
Reporting Election Problems/Irregularities:
Election officials treat allegations of fraud and election rigging – as well as voter disenfranchisement and intimidation – with the utmost seriousness. Specific instances of impropriety should be immediately reported, so that credible claims can be shared with proper authorities under law, including investigative agencies and law enforcement personnel.
State Voter Hotlines for November 2016 General Election
Upholding Rules for Poll Watchers/Voter Challenges:
Election officials can answer questions about guidelines for poll watchers and those wishing to make voter challenges under law. Election officials must uphold these laws to ensure that voters do not experience any harassment or intimidation while casting a ballot.
State Laws on Authorized Poll Watchers & Voter Challenges
Getting Involved as a Poll Worker:
Election officials welcome questions about how the process works and encourage citizen participation. There are a range of options for getting more involved – including becoming a poll worker.
The nation’s Secretaries of State have an ethical mandate and a conscientious duty to deliver a voting process that is not only fair and secure, but also accurate and accessible. Voters must have no doubt that their votes – and votes alone – will determine the next President of the United States this November.
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For media questions, contact:
Kay Stimson
NASS Director of Communications
202-624-3528 (o) | 703-869-5868 (c)
[email protected]