As one looks at Fulton County elections there are several areas in need of scrutiny and transparency. In this context, all jurisdictions of the state are required to provide a financial audit of general government, enterprise and fiduciary funds. Yet, in elections, no auditing is required. This makes no sense as certainly we all agree that voting is just as important as money.
So what does it look like – to audit elections? It is actually quite similar to a financial audit. Management presents results, the auditor tests controls and the validity of the information provided.
In the context of voting technology, we should be examining the accountability, transparency and internal controls in place to assure voters that their vote counts and that they are not diluted in some way by fraud and corruption. Bottom line: Management must be presenting results of elections (similar to financial results of government) fairly and accurately. This requires an independent audit and it does not have to be expensive.
The technology is less important to me, I’m agnostic on optical scanners versus electronic voting. It should just be timely, accurate and accountable. The fact is that either can be manipulated without proper internal controls.
If I am provided access to records and I know where to sample, I suspect we will find much to be desired in Fulton County. (See the link to my recent letter to Fulton County elections director Richard Barron). But I also suspect this applies to other counties as well.
Georgia should be on the forefront of requiring independent audits for elections, particularly for counties with a history of problems such as Fulton, to assure all Georgia voters that their ballot counts.
Justin Wiedeman is an Atlanta CPA and businessman.
