Keeping Your Vote Safe: Why We Can’t Share Every Security Detail
As your County Auditor, I believe in being an open book. I want you to see how we count ballots, how we test our machines, and how we ensure every legal vote is counted. But there is one area where I have to draw a hard line on what I share publicly: the specific technical "blueprints" of our security systems.
Lately, we’ve had some great community conversations about adding more security cameras to our Election Center. During these talks, some folks have asked for the specific details on how those systems work. I want to explain why I can’t (and legally shouldn't) give those away.
A Lesson from Recent History
It’s easy to forget that the rules we follow today were born out of some very tough moments. In early 2021, right after the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, our state legislature realized that election offices needed better protection.
They passed a law called HB 1068. It wasn't just another piece of paperwork; the state declared it an emergency measure necessary for "public peace and safety." It was a wake-up call that the buildings where we process your ballots are high-stakes targets, and we have to treat them that way.
What Exactly Is HB 1068?
Basically, this law (specifically RCW 42.56.420) says that I cannot hand over documents that would help someone sabotage our elections. Think of it as a "security shield." Under this law, I am required to keep the following a secret:
- Vulnerability Reports: Documents that point out exactly where our building might be weak.
- Emergency Backup Plans: Our "Plan B" for how we keep things running if our facility is ever compromised.
- Security Test Results: Reports showing how our alarms or locks performed during drills.
- Infrastructure Details: Any info that, if it fell into the wrong hands, would make it easier to interrupt our operations.
The "Police Car" Comparison
I like to think of it this way: You paid for the police cars in our community with your tax dollars. You own them. But that doesn't mean the city should hand out copies of the car keys to everyone who asks.
If I stand up in a public meeting and explain the "blind spots" of our camera system or exactly how our software triggers an alarm, I’m essentially handing over a blueprint for a break-in. It doesn't make sense to build a wall and then hand out a map showing exactly where the cracks are.
Transparency vs. Protection
I want to be clear: Transparency is sacred in my office. HB 1068 does not let me hide how we count votes. You can still come down and watch us test the equipment, observe the ballot counting, watch an audit, and see our bipartisan teams in action.
But while the process of the election belongs to you, the security plans and protection of the building has to stay between us and law enforcement. My number one job is to make sure your vote is secure. By following state law and keeping our security specifics confidential, I’m doing exactly that.