Are Dominion voting machines unhackable
Are Dominion Voting Machines Unhackable?
Introduction
Voting machines play a crucial role in ensuring fair and transparent elections. Dominion Voting Systems, a prominent manufacturer, has faced scrutiny over the security of its machines. This report examines whether these machines are unhackable, based on recent findings and expert opinions.
Security Concerns and Testing
Case Study: Halderman's Experiment
In a notable court case, cybersecurity expert J. Alex Halderman demonstrated how he could bypass the election software on a Dominion machine using minimal tools. He managed to alter a vote from George Washington to Benedict Arnold. However, this experiment was conducted under controlled conditions, with Halderman having access to passwords and security cards, which are not available in real-world scenarios (NBC News).
Dominion's Defense
Dominion Voting Systems argues that Halderman's experiment does not reflect real-world conditions. The company emphasizes that numerous physical and operational safeguards are in place during actual elections. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) supports this view, stating that existing election procedures mitigate the vulnerabilities Halderman identified (NBC News).
Fact-Checking Claims
Ballot Creation and Hacking Allegations
Claims have circulated that Dominion machines can create ballots and be hacked. However, these claims have been debunked. Dominion machines create ballots for testing and audits, not for fraudulent purposes. The federal government and election experts found no evidence of election fraud involving Dominion machines during the 2020 presidential election (USA Today).
Testing and Security Measures
Before elections, Dominion machines undergo public testing, observed by political party representatives. The system is purged of test results after testing, ensuring no test ballots are counted as legitimate votes. This process includes a "zero report" to confirm the purging (USA Today).
Real-World Application and Safeguards
Implementation in Georgia
In Georgia, Dominion's system includes ballot-marking devices that print receipts with voters' choices. These receipts contain QR codes used by ballot scanners to count votes. Critics argue that QR codes could conceal hacked elections, but the state maintains that the system is secure. The state implemented this system with a $107 million contract after concerns about the security of its previous paperless system (NBC News).
Election Security Assurance
The 2020 election was deemed "the most secure in American history" by CISA and the National Association of State Election Directors. This assessment underscores the effectiveness of current security measures in place for Dominion machines (USA Today).
Conclusion
Dominion voting machines are not unhackable, but they are designed with robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access and tampering. While controlled experiments have shown potential vulnerabilities, real-world conditions include multiple safeguards that mitigate these risks. Continuous testing and oversight further enhance the security of these machines, ensuring the integrity of elections.