Fact Check: "Voting machine software updates labeled 'De Minimis' could hide major changes."
What We Know
The claim that voting machine software updates labeled "De Minimis" could conceal significant changes is rooted in concerns raised by election security experts. According to a letter from nearly two dozen computer scientists and voter advocacy organizations, there are serious threats to election security due to unauthorized access to voting system software, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 election (AP News). The term "De Minimis" refers to changes deemed insignificant enough not to require extensive testing or public disclosure, which has raised alarms about the potential for substantial alterations to voting systems without adequate oversight (Daily Boulder).
Pro V&V, a federally certified voting system testing laboratory, has been implicated in authorizing updates to voting machines used in over 40% of U.S. counties without public review, leading to allegations of potential vote tampering (Economic Times). This situation is compounded by reports of suspicious updates and missing votes flagged by watchdog groups, further emphasizing the need for transparency in voting technology (Economic Times).
Analysis
The concerns regarding "De Minimis" updates stem from the lack of stringent oversight in the voting machine update process. Experts argue that such updates can mask significant changes that could affect election integrity. For instance, the updates authorized by Pro V&V have been criticized for being approved without sufficient scrutiny, raising questions about their impact on the electoral process (Dissent in Bloom).
The reliability of the sources discussing these issues varies. The letter from election experts is credible as it comes from recognized professionals in the field, advocating for federal investigations into the security of voting systems (AP News). However, some reports, such as those from less established outlets, may carry biases or sensationalism that could skew public perception of the situation (Economic Times, Daily Boulder).
Furthermore, while the concerns about "De Minimis" updates are valid, it is essential to note that not all updates labeled as such necessarily lead to significant changes. The term itself is intended to categorize minor adjustments that do not impact the core functionality of the voting systems. Thus, while there is a legitimate fear of potential manipulation, the extent to which these updates could "hide major changes" remains a matter of debate among experts.
Conclusion
The claim that "De Minimis" updates to voting machine software could conceal significant changes is Partially True. While there are credible concerns about the lack of oversight and the potential for significant alterations to voting systems without public knowledge, not all updates labeled as "De Minimis" inherently lead to major changes. The situation underscores the need for greater transparency and scrutiny in the voting technology sector to ensure the integrity of future elections.
