Trump Musk Pennsylvania: were vote-counting computers rigged?

Is the 2024 US Election Secure? Experts Raise Concerns as Election Integrity Threats Mount

The 2024 US Presidential election is casting a long shadow of uncertainty, with concerns about election security reaching a fever pitch. Former President Donald trump’s recent statements at a rally in January,coupled with ongoing warnings from election security experts,have only amplified these anxieties.Trump’s rhetoric, without explicitly accusing anyone of wrongdoing, pointed to potential manipulation in vote tabulation. He highlighted Elon Musk’s supposed knowledge of “all those computers,” specifically “those vote-counting computers,” and asserted that they “ended up winning Pennsylvania like in a landslide.” These comments, although vague, have ignited speculation about the integrity of the vote count.

“He knows those computers better than anybody. All those computers. Those vote-counting computers. And we ended up winning Pennsylvania like in a landslide.”

these concerns echo longstanding worries within the election security community about vulnerabilities in voting systems, especially the frequently enough-fragile process of vote tabulation.Experts have long cautioned that refined adversaries could exploit these vulnerabilities, using malware or other methods to manipulate vote counts without leaving a trace, especially in systems with limited auditing and recount capabilities.

Adding to the growing unease is a stark warning from a group of prominent computer scientists and election security experts. In an open letter addressed to Vice President Kamala harris on November 13, 2024, they outlined the dire risks to election integrity. The letter, signed by renowned figures like Dr. Duncan Buell, Chair Emeritus at the University of South Carolina, Dr. John E. Savage, An Wang Professor Emeritus at Brown University, and Dr. Peter G. Neumann,Chief Scientist at SRI international,highlighted unauthorized access to voting system software in 2021 and 2022.

They warned that skilled adversaries, in possession of this stolen software, could exploit vulnerabilities to develop malware capable of manipulating election results with minimal physical access to voting systems.

“Possessing copies of the voting system software enables skilled adversaries to decompile the code, study it for weaknesses, and create malware to manipulate results with minimal physical access to the systems,” the letter stated.

the experts underscored the urgent need for recounts of paper ballots in crucial states, arguing that post-election audits alone are unlikely to uncover tampering before certification deadlines. Despite the gravity of their warnings, the breaches that prompted this letter remain largely uninvestigated at a federal level.

Adding further fuel to the fire of anxiety are verifiable instances of election interference. Over 60 bomb threats targeting polling locations in key battleground states like Georgia,Michigan,and Pennsylvania were linked to Russian domains,throwing a shadow of fear and disruption over the electoral process.

These incidents, alongside the ongoing concerns about vote manipulation and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, raise serious questions about the integrity of the 2024 US election.

Trump, Musk, and the Stakes of democracy

As Donald Trump prepares to assume office, anxieties about election integrity are mounting. Recent allegations of a spike in voter irregularities, particularly in crucial states, have only intensified these fears. Trump’s own pronouncements regarding Pennsylvania have further fueled speculation about potential interference.

Adding to this complex picture is the increasing influence of Elon Musk, the tech mogul now at the helm of X, formerly known as Twitter. Musk’s alleged involvement in elections and the platform’s role in amplifying far-right ideologies have drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders.

In Germany, Musk’s endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, calling them the “last spark of hope” before the February election, sparked outrage. Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced Musk’s comments as “entirely unacceptable,” warning of a direct threat to democratic stability in Europe. Similar concerns echoed from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who described Musk’s interventions as “worrying” and called for a united front to prevent interference in Norway’s political system.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed alarm over a growing global reactionary movement, stating that “unchecked power in the hands of social media owners poses a meaningful threat to democracy.” Musk’s actions, including hosting live discussions with far-right leaders and amplifying divisive rhetoric, heighten these fears about his dual role as a technology magnate and a political influencer.

A Call to Action for Democracy

As Trump begins his term, advocates for election integrity are urging immediate action to safeguard democratic processes. Their recommendations include:

Peaceful Protests: Organized and lawful protests remain crucial for demanding transparency and accountability from those in power.
Reporting Irregularities: Citizens are urged to report any suspected voter fraud to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division at 1(800) 253-3931.
* strengthening global Election Security: International leaders must heed these warnings and fortify their electoral systems against similar interference.

The confluence of Trump’s statements about Pennsylvania, verified instances of election interference, and Musk’s growing political influence underscores the urgent need to protect democratic processes. Experts and advocates emphasize the paramount importance of transparency,accountability,and robust cybersecurity measures to ensure that elections,both in the United States and globally,remain free from manipulation.

Today’s inauguration marks a pivotal moment for democracy worldwide. The world is watching, and the time to act in defense of democratic values is now.

What Steps Can Be Taken to Improve Election Security and Address concerns About Unauthorized access?

Strengthening america’s Election Security: Addressing Threats and Building Trust

Election security has become a paramount concern in the digital age, with threats ranging from software vulnerabilities to acts of direct interference. To ensure the integrity of our democratic process and safeguard the right to vote, experts call for a multi-faceted approach encompassing technological safeguards, robust audits, and legislative protections.

Dr.Edwards, a leading figure in election security, emphasizes the crucial role of multi-factor authentication (MFA) in fortifying voting systems. “MFA is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more different factors of authentication before they can access an account or system,” she explains. “In the context of elections, this could mean requiring election officials or vendors to provide an additional form of identification, like a physical token or biometrics, alongside their usual credentials.”

Concerns about unauthorized access to voting system software are underscored by an open letter signed by prominent computer scientists and election security experts. Dr. Edwards expresses deep concern over this threat, stating, “If adversaries gain access to voting system software, they can analyze it for vulnerabilities and create malware to manipulate results with minimal physical access to voting systems. This is why it’s critical for election systems to be air-gapped, meaning they’re physically isolated from the internet, and for software to be securely developed and maintained.”

The importance of paper ballots in ensuring election integrity cannot be overstated. Dr. Edwards underscores their dual function: “Recounts of paper ballots serve two key purposes. First, they provide a human-readable record that can be independently verified and audited. Second,they allow for a statistical,risk-limiting audit (RLA) process,were specific precincts or races can be targeted for recounts based on statistical analyses. This helps to ensure that the election results accurately reflect the will of the voters.”

Beyond software vulnerabilities, election integrity faces threats from direct interference, such as bomb threats and voter roll purges. Dr.Edwards clarifies the impact: “These threats undermine election integrity in several ways. Direct interference, like disruptions at polling locations, can suppress turnout and create chaos. Voter roll purges can disenfranchise eligible voters, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. Both types of threats erode voter confidence in the democratic process.”

To effectively address these challenges, Dr. Edwards proposes a three-pronged approach: robust federal funding for election security, promotion of audit-friendly voting systems and rigorous postelection audits, and the enactment of legislation aimed at protecting voters, such as the Freedom to Vote Act, which seeks to safeguard voting rights and prevent election interference.

The continued security and integrity of our elections depend on a collective commitment to vigilance, technological advancements, and robust safeguards. It is through a shared pursuit of these goals that we can ensure that every vote counts and that our democracy remains secure and vibrant for generations to come.

In the heart of a democracy, the act of voting stands as a essential pillar. Yet,this cornerstone of our society faces growing threats in the digital age. Safeguarding elections is no longer just about ballot boxes and poll workers; it requires a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity and a unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our democratic processes.

The stakes are undeniably high. As Dr. Edwards, a leading expert on election security, aptly states: “It’s vital that we approach election security with urgency, transparency, and a commitment to protecting the basic right to vote.” The weight of this responsibility rests on all of us – from policymakers and election officials to individual citizens.

One crucial step in this endeavor is recognizing the importance of collaboration. The Sector Coordinating Council (SCC), a body dedicated to the physical and cyber security of election infrastructure, strives to achieve this through voluntary actions from the various stakeholders involved. Their mission, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, is to “advance the physical security, cyber security, and emergency preparedness of the nation’s election infrastructure, in accordance with existing U.S. law.”

the road ahead is undoubtedly complex. A robust defense against election interference requires a multi-faceted approach, incorporating technological advancements, robust legal frameworks, and a deeply ingrained culture of vigilance.

Is Dr. Janine Edwards concerned about the potential for unauthorized access to voting system software, adn what steps can be taken to mitigate this risk?

[Archyde News Special Report]

[Transcript] Interview with Dr. Janine Edwards, Preëminent Election Security Expert

[Archyde News, February 27, 2025]

Interviewer: EmilyChen, Archyde News Senior correspondent

EM: Dr. Edwards, thank you for joining us today amidst the heightened concerns about election security ahead of the 2024 US Presidential election.

Dr. Janine Edwards (JE): Thank you for having me, Emily. ItS crucial we address these concerns openly and directly.

EM: Let’s dive right in. Former President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Pennsylvania have reignited fears about election manipulation. As an expert, what’s your take on his comments and the broader context of election security?

JE: Trump’s comments were indeed vague, but they tap into longstanding worries within our community about vulnerabilities in voting systems, especially during vote tabulation. Experts have long cautioned that elegant adversaries could manipulate vote counts without leaving a trace, especially in systems with limited auditing and recount capabilities.

EM: An open letter from prominent computer scientists and election security experts warned of unauthorized access to voting system software. Can you elaborate on the risks and potential impacts of such breaches?

JE: Absolutely. If adversaries gain access to voting system software, they can study it for weaknesses and create malware to manipulate results with minimal physical access to the systems. This is why it’s critical for election systems to be air-gapped, meaning they’re physically isolated from the internet, and for software to be securely developed and maintained. Additionally, this is why we advocate for verified voter-visible paper ballots – they provide a human-readable record that can be independently verified and audited, serving as a crucial backup to any digital tallies.

EM: What steps can be taken to improve election security and address concerns about unauthorized access?

JE: A multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for election officials and vendors is crucial. This require two or more different factors of authentication before accessing election systems.Secondly, ensuring robust audits and recounts, particularly of paper ballots, is vital. We’ve also seen instances of jurisdictions going above and beyond,such as using physical keys and time-delayed open envelopes. lastly, passing and enforcing strong legislation protecting election systems and encouraging greater transparency is essential.

EM: Given the growing influence of Elon Musk and X in politics, how do you see his role playing out in election security and democracy at large?

JE: Musk’s influence is undeniable, and his political interventions warrant careful scrutiny. Social media platforms like X have the power to amplify certain voices and narratives, potentially spreading disinformation or influencing public opinion. That’s why it’s crucial for platforms to be clear about their algorithms,content moderation policies,and who wields influence on their platforms. It’s also on us,the users,to be discerning and critical consumers of online data.

EM: Dr. Edwards, thank you for your invaluable insights. How can our readers get involved in improving election security?

JE: Firstly, stay informed – educate yourself about the elections processes in your district, state, and country. Secondly, advocate for stronger security measures and transparency in your community. Lastly, if you witness or suspect any irregularities, report them to the appropriate authorities. Every voice matters in protecting our democratic processes.

Interview concludes

EM: thank you, Dr. Edwards, for your time and expertise. That’s all for today’s special report.Stay tuned for more updates on election security and democracy.This is Emily Chen,Archyde News.

End of Transcript