Concerns about election security have been a significant focus in the United States, particularly following the 2020 presidential election.

The intricacies surrounding absentee ballots and financial maneuvers like “smurfing” have sparked debates regarding potential vulnerabilities in the election system, as Breitbart reports.

The 2020 election presented a razor-thin margin in several pivotal states. In four key swing states, fewer than 50,000 votes ultimately determined the outcome. This close race underscored the importance of every vote, raising the stakes for secure election processes.

In cities such as Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee, notable concerns emerged when between 85,000 to 268,000 votes were attributed overnight to President Joe Biden’s tally.

These votes reportedly stemmed from the counting of absentee ballots. The sudden surge in numbers led to doubts about the transparency and security of the election process.

Absentee Ballots and Election Concerns

Eric Eggers, in addressing these developments, emphasized the unusual nature of such an increase in votes. He noted, “It was this sort of magical, mysterious infusion of votes that caused a lot of people to have very real concerns about the security of American elections.” The phenomenon of absentee ballots arriving en masse overnight fueled skepticism about election integrity.

Delving deeper into the matter, investigative journalist Peter Schweizer highlighted the decentralized nature of American elections.

Elections in the U.S. are managed by states and local governments, creating the potential for inconsistent practices and vulnerabilities.

Schweizer pointed out how these inconsistencies can lead to major issues, saying, “It’s a very complicated thing when you hold elections. They’re decentralized. States and local governments are the ones that manage them, and something that occurs in one city could have huge ramifications.”

Beyond the ballots themselves, Schweizer identified financial maneuvers as a potential threat. Specifically, “smurfing,” a practice where large donations are divided into smaller amounts to bypass legal limits, was mentioned as concerning. This tactic could mask the true origin and magnitude of campaign contributions.

Investigations Into Election Finance

The Government Accountability Institute (GAI) has been at the forefront of examining these potential threats. They have previously reported on the possibility of foreign funds affecting U.S. elections via channels such as “Obama.com.” Their ongoing investigations aim to uncover the realities behind such allegations.

Recently, in August, House Republicans advocated for the Federal Election Commission to probe the fundraising efforts of Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign.

They sought clarity on whether “smurfing” might play a role in skirting campaign finance regulations. In this context, Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) voiced apprehensions about the fundraising operations conducted through ActBlue for Harris’ campaign.

The scrutiny of campaign financing procedures gained momentum when James O’Keefe’s investigative work revealed discrepancies. Some donors disputed making the large donations that were recorded in their names. This finding raised further questions about the transparency and authenticity of campaign contributions.

Broader Challenges Facing Elections

Alongside concerns over “smurfing,” the debate surrounding election integrity encompasses a range of potential threats. Issues such as outdated voter rolls, the practice of ballot harvesting, and the participation of non-citizens in elections have been highlighted.

Each of these elements, in its own way, challenges the foundation of what many see as a fair and free electoral process. Addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining voter confidence and the legitimacy of elections in the United States.

In conclusion, the complexities of ensuring election security cannot be overstated. From the management of absentee ballots to the examination of campaign financing practices through “smurfing,” multiple facets of the system require rigorous scrutiny.

With ongoing investigations and calls for transparency, the conversation around election integrity continues to evolve as stakeholders seek solutions to safeguard democratic processes.