WA Secretary of State talks voter fraud, election security

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs visited Washington State University to advocate for increased awareness of the electoral process, aiming to combat skepticism about voting. He revealed that 25% to 30% of Americans believe elections are fraudulent, a belief worsened by disinformation from nation-state actors. Hobbs emphasized that election security involves rigorous processes, including signature verification and the Electronic Registration Information Center, which detects voting irregularities. Laura Arce from the Voter Information Services team elaborated on the security measures in place, such as testing tabulation machines and tracking ballots. Hobbs acknowledged that while it is uncommon, undocumented individuals do occasionally vote, but face significant risks due to potential deportation.

Steve Vuleta, manager of the Civic Engagement Program, stressed the importance of community involvement in democracy, stating that everyone should feel empowered to participate. He highlighted efforts to reach marginalized groups to enhance voter education and rights awareness. Ultimately, Hobbs and his team aim to foster a more informed electorate to strengthen trust in the democratic process.