Rep. Morelle on Voter Rules: Accuracy Over Speed in Election Certification

Importance of Accurate Vote Counting

• 🗳️ California election officials were asked if they wrongly certified a winner in recent congressional elections, and none of the witnesses raised their hand, suggesting accuracy in the process.
• 🇺🇸 The right to vote is considered an inalienable right, and policies should ensure it is exercised freely, fairly, and securely.

Challenges for Military and Overseas Voters

• ✈️ Policies that allow ballots postmarked after election day, such as in California and New York, enhance the ability of military and overseas voters to cast their ballots.
• 📬 Mail delays are a significant barrier, with international priority mail taking 6-10 days and average mail taking 7-14 days.
• 🗓️ A seven-day window for counting postmarked ballots after election day is recommended as a gold standard to accommodate these delays.
• 💰 Some voters stationed on non-US military installations may face barriers like needing to use private couriers to return ballots, which is prohibitively expensive for many.

Prioritizing Accuracy in Election Administration

• ⚖️ Getting election rules right is more important than getting them fast, emphasizing the need for thoroughness over speed.
• 🤝 Collaboration with the Elections Assistance Commission can help identify ways to improve and potentially speed up the voting process.
• ✅ The goal is to afford every voter the opportunity to vote while respecting the integrity of the election process.