Virginia Governor Orders All Paper Ballots for Elections
- Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued an executive order requiring the use of only paper ballots in upcoming elections.
- This decision aims to enhance election security protocols established under his leadership.
- Youngkin's move reflects ongoing discussions about election integrity across the United States.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that all votes for the upcoming 2024 presidential election will be cast using paper ballots. In his statement, Youngkin emphasized that this initiative transcends party lines, framing it as a matter of national and state security. The decision aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process, moving away from electronic voting machines in favor of a more reliable paper-based system. The new voting security protocol includes several key measures designed to ensure the accuracy and security of the election. Youngkin highlighted the importance of a traceable chain of custody for the paper ballots, which he believes provides a more concrete record of votes. Additionally, the protocol incorporates the use of Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) data for verifying voter identities, offline counting machines, and continuous monitoring of drop boxes. Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Youngkin's decision, praising Virginia's proactive approach to election security. On his social media platform, Trump expressed confidence that the measures would protect legal votes while preventing illegal voting, particularly by non-citizens. He characterized the upcoming election on November 5th as potentially the most significant in U.S. history, urging efforts to ensure its fairness and security. As the election date approaches, Youngkin's administration is focused on implementing these protocols to bolster voter confidence and safeguard the electoral process in Virginia.