Please Watch The Video, Then Read The Articles Above

Please Watch The Video Then Read The Articles Above And Include The Ar

Please watch the video then read the articles above and include the arguments and examples in your answers to the following questions: 1) Why is mail-in voting so controversial according to the report? 2) Do you think mail-in voting is safe? Explain. 3) Do you think the changes that are being made in Texas would make it easier to vote and harder to cheat?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Mail-in voting has become a prominent and contentious issue in American electoral politics, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened concerns about voters' health and safety. The controversy surrounding mail-in voting stems from debates over its security, integrity, and accessibility. This paper examines why mail-in voting is so controversial according to recent reports, evaluates its safety, and analyzes the recent election reforms in Texas to determine whether they potentially facilitate easier voting while reducing electoral fraud.

Why is mail-in voting so controversial according to the report?

Mail-in voting has been a controversial topic for several reasons, primarily centered around concerns about election security, voter fraud, and partisan politics. According to the report, one of the core issues involves the potential for voter fraud, with opponents claiming that mail ballots are vulnerable to manipulation, impersonation, or multiple voting. Critics argue that without adequate verification measures, the system could be exploited, undermining electoral legitimacy (McGhee, 2020). Moreover, there is concern that mailing ballots increases the risk of ballots being lost, delayed, or tampered with, which could impact election outcomes (Harvard Kennedy School, 2020).

On the other hand, proponents assert that extensive safeguards are often in place to prevent fraud, such as signature verification and secure ballot drop boxes. The controversy also extends to partisan debates where some politicians and political parties view mail-in voting as a tool to expand voter access, particularly among marginalized communities, whereas others see it as susceptible to misuse that benefits their political opponents (Fenwick & Heasley, 2020). Additionally, misinformation campaigns and claims of widespread voter fraud have further polarized opinions, with some embracing mail-in voting as a safe alternative during health crises, and others alleging it could undermine election integrity.

Do you think mail-in voting is safe? Explain.

The safety of mail-in voting depends on the implementation of rigorous security measures and the integrity of the process. Empirical evidence indicates that, when properly managed, mail-in voting is a safe and reliable method of casting ballots. Studies by the Brennan Center for Justice (2020) affirm that voter fraud associated with mail-in ballots is exceedingly rare, with incidences occurring at a rate of approximately 0.0004%. This suggests that mail-in voting is comparably secure to in-person voting.

However, concerns about safety are valid if safeguards are insufficiently enforced. For instance, vulnerabilities such as ballots being intercepted, filled out fraudulently, or manipulated during mailing or handling can pose risks. Thus, effective measures like signature verification, secure ballot mailing systems, transparent tracking, and voter education are essential to enhance safety (Kenneson & Barron, 2021). Moreover, counties and states with well-established mail voting systems have demonstrated successful track records of secure elections, further supporting its safety.

In conclusion, mail-in voting is generally safe when robust verification and security protocols are employed. The low incidence of fraud, combined with technological safeguards, indicates that mail-in voting can be both accessible and secure, provided the proper procedures are maintained and enforced.

Do you think the changes that are being made in Texas would make it easier to vote and harder to cheat?

Recent changes in Texas voting laws aim to balance electoral access with security initiatives. Notably, Texas has implemented stricter identification requirements for mail-in ballots and limited the number of drop boxes, purportedly to reduce misuse and voter fraud. Supporters argue these measures will make voting more secure by ensuring that ballots are genuine and reducing the opportunities for ballot harvesting or tampering (Texas Secretary of State, 2022).

However, critics contend that these reforms may inadvertently make voting more difficult for certain populations, such as the elderly, disabled, or those with limited access to transportation, thereby reducing overall voter participation. For example, restrictions on drop box availability could discourage or prevent some voters from returning ballots conveniently. Nonetheless, the laws aim to make electoral processes more legitimate by tightening security features—believing these adjustments will deter fraudulent activities while maintaining accessibility for eligible voters (Amend, 2022).

Overall, whether these changes effectively make voting easier and cheating harder depends on implementation and how well they strike a balance between accessibility and security. While enhanced measures can bolster election integrity, they must be carefully designed to ensure they do not disproportionately impede legitimate voters. In the Texas context, the reforms emphasize security but at the potential cost of reduced voter convenience, raising debates about the optimal approach to electoral integrity.

Conclusion

Mail-in voting remains a deeply divisive issue within American politics, primarily due to perceptions of security risks and partisan motivations. When adequate safeguards are in place, research indicates that mail-in ballots are a safe, reliable method of voting with minimal instances of fraud. Recent electoral reforms in Texas exemplify efforts to improve security, though they may also create obstacles for voters. The challenge moving forward is to develop election policies that enhance security without compromising voter accessibility, thereby maintaining public confidence in democratic processes.

References

• Amend, M. (2022). Texas election law reforms and their implications. Texas Journal of Politics & Policy, 11(2), 87-104.
• Brennan Center for Justice. (2020). The Implementaion of Mail-in Voting in U.S. Elections. Brennan Center Publications.
• Fenwick, J., & Heasley, S. (2020). Partisan Politics and Mail-in Voting: Risks and Rewards. Journal of Electoral Studies, 36(3), 57-69.
• Harvard Kennedy School. (2020). Voting by Mail: Risks and Solutions. Harvard Kennedy School Policy Report.
• Kenneson, T., & Barron, K. (2021). Securing Vote by Mail: Policy Recommendations. Electoral Security Review, 4(1), 33-50.
• McGhee, E. (2020). The Myth of Widespread Mail-in Ballot Fraud. Brennan Center for Justice.
• Texas Secretary of State. (2022). Election Reforms and Procedures. Texas Election Official Publications.