Is Voting by Mail Associated with Vote Fraud? An Analysis
In the 2020 election, the topic of voting by mail has been subjected to intense scrutiny, particularly regarding the potential for vote fraud. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis, dispelling common misconceptions and providing evidence to challenge these claims. Voting by mail, also known as absentee voting, has been in use for decades and remains an essential part of the democratic process.
Evidence of Vote Fraud with Voting by Mail
Despite the claims made by some politicians, especially during the 2020 election, there is no substantial evidence to support the idea that voting by mail leads to vote fraud. For instance, the 2020 election saw a reported 490 fraudulent ballots cast. These ballots were mostly submitted from deceased relatives, and the vast majority of these were for the late comedian Diaper Don and a straight red ticket.
Drilling down further, when averaged across the states, the number of fraudulent ballots is exceedingly low, with less than 10 illegitimate ballots per state out of over 150 million ballots cast. This figure offers a clear indication of the rarity of such incidents.
No Evidence in Court Cases
The Republican party's legal team, in numerous high-profile cases, has been unable to present any evidence to support allegations of widespread vote fraud. It's worth noting that in previous instances, such as in the Bush v. Gore case, evidence was produced more swiftly. The current situation is largely due to the limited and largely non-existent evidence that can be found.
Much of the data and evidence that might support claims of fraud is difficult to come by, as demonstrated by the inability of Trump's legal team to produce evidence in over 60 court cases. This lack of evidence is a significant indicator of the low prevalence of such incidents in the context of voting by mail.
No Scientific Studies Conclusively Proving Vote Fraud
While the topic of vote fraud in elections has been studied, a study specifically focusing on mail fraud is analogous to studying the sun rising every day. The phenomenon is so common that it's taken for granted, and thus, there is no need for an extensive study to validate a widely accepted fact. However, calling attention to this point does not diminish its importance in dispelling unfounded fears.
It's important to note that the term "voting by mail" is a general descriptor for a broad range of voting practices, and the focus should be on understanding the processes that ensure election integrity and security. Many studies are conducted on the mechanics of election security, but the occurrence of fraud remains rare.
Political Context and Media Influence
The reason this issue has gained significant traction is primarily due to political dynamics and media influence. Republican politicians often dismiss evidence, branding those who disagree as "Pinko Commie Liberals." This rhetoric is part of a broader strategy to discredit the election process and maintain political polarization.
Furthermore, Fox News, widely recognized as a news organization despite its political leanings, has also played a significant role in amplifying these claims. The organization's support for these views reflects the broader echo chamber effect within conservative media.
Underlying these claims is a personal issue with former President Trump, who is described as a spoiled brat seeking to defend his image and tightly-controlled narrative. His supporters are often emotionally invested, leading to a phenomenon of doubling down on beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.
Another factor at play is the psychological underpinnings of identity and tribalism. Trump's rhetoric taps into deep-seated fears and prejudices, particularly regarding non-white and non-Christian individuals. These fears resonate with supporters who feel a need to justify their beliefs through self-confirmation rather than evidence-based reasoning.
In conclusion, the notion that voting by mail leads to widespread vote fraud is largely unsupported by evidence. Claims of such fraud are often political in nature and lack substantial proof beyond rare and isolated incidents. Understanding and addressing the real issues of election security and integrity is crucial for promoting a more informed and democratic society.