Election Integrity at Forefront as Kentucky Prepares for 2024 Presidential Vote
Lexington, Kentucky – As Kentucky approaches the 2024 presidential election, election integrity has emerged as a top concern among voters. With election day just three weeks away, millions will not only select the next president but also make key decisions about local leadership.
Secretary of State Michael Adams addressed concerns regarding the state’s voting system, asserting confidently, “We’ve never had a breach of any of our systems, and I won’t sugarcoat it; other states have had breaches, but we have not.” Adams emphasized the security of Kentucky’s voting infrastructure, stating that no breaches have occurred in voter registration systems.
Adams acknowledged the growing concern about artificial intelligence and its potential to propagate misinformation, yet he reassured Kentuckians that they can vote with confidence. “This is very important; there is no way to breach the voting because the voting isn’t done through the internet,” he said, adding that ballot scanners used at polling places operate without internet connections, further protecting against hacking.
While Kentucky’s voting system is perceived as secure, the recent ransomware attack on the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office raised some alarms. The attack temporarily disrupted office functions but is still under investigation. In response, Adams mentioned that additional security measures have been implemented and assured voters of a post-election audit to confirm that machine counts align with hand counts.
Reflecting on the 2016 election cycle, when several states experienced cyberattacks, Adams noted, “Even the states that were breached…nothing got changed. The votes were not accessed.” The Secretary dismissed the fear that foreign entities had significantly impacted the electoral process, instead framing those incidents as demonstrations of cybersecurity vulnerabilities without altering outcomes.
As a precautionary measure, voters may notice an increased presence of law enforcement at polling locations this election. This initiative aims to enhance safety for both voters and poll workers during the election process.
With early voting and absentee ballots already underway, Kentuckians are encouraged to engage in the democratic process while remaining informed about the integrity safeguards in place. The focus on security, coupled with transparency measures, aims to foster trust in the electoral system as the state readies itself for one of its most important civic responsibilities.
