The 2020 presidential election was historic, not only for its outcome but for the record-breaking voter turnout that raised serious questions about election integrity. With an unprecedented 155 million votes cast—a steep increase from the 128 million votes in 2016—this election diverged from previous turnout trends, sparking widespread concerns among voters, policymakers, and election integrity advocates alike. Now, as voter turnout returns to a typical level of 129 million in 2024, the 2020 election stands as an anomaly demanding further investigation and a reexamination of voting practices.
We urge Congress to take a hard look at the irregularities surrounding the 2020 election and to implement reforms that will safeguard our electoral processes for generations to come. The preservation of our democracy rests on the trust of its citizens, and that trust cannot be built on elections that leave unanswered questions.
The 2020 Election: Anomalies and Irregularities
From unmonitored ballot drop boxes to rapidly scaled-up mail-in voting systems, the 2020 election was conducted under unprecedented conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many states drastically altered their voting processes, often with little preparation or adequate oversight. Key irregularities have raised serious questions about the accuracy and security of the results:
Unmonitored Drop Boxes: The widespread use of ballot drop boxes, many of which were unmonitored, has led to concerns about ballot security. Unsupervised drop boxes created vulnerabilities, and without consistent tracking, it remains difficult to verify that all ballots cast through this method were secure and valid.
Outdated Voter Rolls: This concern, voiced even by former President Obama, is a significant factor. In his own words, “Nobody is checking the voter rolls.” Outdated rolls, left unchecked, may contain the names of individuals who are no longer eligible to vote, including those who have moved or are deceased. In 2020, many states sent out unsolicited mail-in ballots or ballot applications to entire voter rolls without verifying eligibility, creating vulnerabilities that could lead to misuse.
Suspicious Turnout Patterns: The turnout spike in 2020 stands out in comparison to historical trends. Since 2004, voter turnout has fluctuated within a range of about 121 to 129 million votes, reflecting a steady pattern. The abrupt leap to 155 million votes in 2020—followed by a drop back to 129 million in 2024—suggests that the 2020 election may have included unusual factors, possibly including voter irregularities or lapses in voting safeguards.
Suppression of Election Integrity Discourse: Any mention of irregularities regarding the 2020 election was immediately banned from major social media platforms. Thousands of accounts were demonetized, banned, or shadow-banned, effectively stifling public discussion about voter fraud and election irregularities. For millions of Americans, this suppression felt like a direct infringement on their right to free speech. Compounding the issue, many courts refused to hear cases related to voter fraud, leaving countless concerns unaddressed and diminishing the public’s trust in the electoral process.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Requests for election audits were often met with resistance, leaving many Americans feeling that not all concerns were thoroughly investigated. Limited audits and inconsistencies in handling these requests only added to the public’s distrust.
Why Congress Must Act
The health of our democracy depends on the confidence Americans have in their elections. When voting irregularities are ignored or dismissed, public trust erodes, leading to increased skepticism about election outcomes. To address these issues, Congress must take action to implement robust election integrity measures that prevent similar concerns from arising in the future.
Recommended Reforms for Election Integrity
Nationwide Voter ID Laws: Ensuring that every voter presents a valid form of identification can help confirm eligibility and secure the voting process. Voter ID laws are a common-sense approach to minimizing voter fraud and ensuring that only eligible citizens cast ballots.
Voter Roll Maintenance: Congress should require regular, systematic voter roll maintenance in every state. This includes removing the names of deceased individuals, those who have moved, and those otherwise ineligible to vote. Accurate voter rolls are a foundational component of election security.
Enhanced Oversight of Mail-In Ballots: While mail-in ballots can make voting accessible, Congress must ensure that they are adequately monitored. This could include tracking ballots from distribution to counting and limiting the availability of unmonitored drop boxes. Ensuring chain-of-custody procedures for all mail-in ballots would add an essential layer of accountability.
Transparent Election Audits: To restore public confidence, all elections should be subject to independent, transparent audits. Congress could establish a standardized process for election audits, ensuring that every state adheres to best practices in transparency and accountability.
Increased Penalties for Election Fraud: Congress should consider implementing stricter penalties for voter fraud. Strengthening the consequences of election fraud will send a clear message that election integrity is paramount.
A Call to Action for Congress
In a nation founded on principles of representation and democracy, every citizen deserves to have full confidence in the electoral process. The anomalies of the 2020 election underscore the need for reform. Congress has an obligation to investigate these irregularities and implement measures to secure the sanctity of the ballot box. By enacting clear, consistent, and robust election integrity standards, our representatives can help restore faith in our elections.
This issue transcends political divisions—it’s a matter of preserving the very foundation of our democracy. WECU News calls on Congress to act swiftly and decisively, ensuring that every American can be confident that their vote counts, is secure, and is part of a fair and transparent process. The future of our nation depends on it.
Editor’s Note:
At WECU News, we understand that many Americans are deeply concerned about the integrity of the 2020 election. The numerous irregularities and unprecedented turnout have left questions unanswered, and we share the public’s desire for clarity and accountability. While we recognize the appearance of what some might call “shenanigans” in the process, we believe in the importance of uncovering facts before making any definitive claims about the presence of foul play.
Our commitment remains to seek the truth and support thorough investigations into these concerns. Until concrete evidence emerges, we will continue to advocate for election integrity and transparency as cornerstones of a healthy democracy.
"You shall see with thine own eyes the punishment of the wicked"
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