U.S. officials see no evidence of foreign meddling with mail-in ballots

By Mark Hosenball

 

FILE PHOTO: Mail is seen in the bag of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) worker as he delivers mail in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., August 21, 2020. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - American intelligence and law enforcement agencies have not found evidence indicating that foreign governments are trying to interfere with mail-in balloting ahead of the Nov. 3 U.S. presidential election, officials said on Wednesday.

 

Intelligence officials previously have said Russia, China and Iran were employing disinformation campaigns and other means to interfere in U.S. politics before the election in which President Donald Trump is seeking a second term in office.

 

But these efforts do not appear to target mail-in balloting, which is expected to surge this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, intelligence and law enforcement officials told reporters during a briefing, speaking on condition of anonymity.

 

"We have no intelligence that any nation-state is trying to undermine" mail-in balloting, a senior U.S. intelligence said.

 

A second federal security official added that U.S. agencies "have not seen to date" any "coordinated voter-fraud effort" by a foreign power or anyone else ahead of the election. The official added that U.S. agencies are strongly committed to investigate if any such effort is detected.

 

U.S. intelligence agencies and former Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded that Russia used a campaign of propaganda and hacking to boost Trump's candidacy in the 2016 election.

 

Trump has said repeatedly, without offering evidence, that mail-in voting - long a fixture in American elections - will lead to fraud in this year's election.

 

The Republican president trails Democratic challenger Joe Biden in opinion polls.

 

Federal officials who deal with election security issues told the briefing that their research, including extensive consultations with local election officials, indicated that it would be "very difficult for foreign adversaries" to interfere in U.S. balloting activities including vote counting.

 

As one official put it, U.S. election authorities are "a lot more aware now" of potential foreign election interference intentions and tactics then they were in 2016.

 

(Reporting by Mark Hosenball; Editing by Scott Malone and Will Dunham)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-08-27

 

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"Ok, so now you shut up you mouth about zis, yes?"  says Putin.

 

 

"The United States of Paranoia"

 

An excellent book by Jesse Walker-and most pertinent at the present time and well on topic.

Uh ho I see a tweet storm coming and probably a few careers ruined trump won’t like someone in (his) government speaking truth that doesent benefit trump 

Waiting to see how 45 sympathizers will spin THIS one.

3 minutes ago, J Town said:

Waiting to see how 45 sympathizers will spin THIS one.

Deep state ... Q etc ..... ???? .... 'Open your eyes' ... Look on YouTube .. all the facts are there !

Fox News - Authorities seize thousands of fake IDs headed to New York in Kentucky

 

"The IDs were heading from China to various locations in New York, the federal agency said, adding that the fake driver’s licenses were seized at an Express Consignment Operations hub in Louisville, Ky."

 

ABC News - Thousands of fake IDs bound for New York seized in Louisville

 

"The shipments all originated in China."

 

American Military News (mostly factual - least biased according to Media Bias Fact Check) - 20,000 fake licenses mostly from China seized at Chicago O’Hare airport in 2020

 

"CBP noted some of the fake licenses going through the IMF facility, bound for Michigan, actually had working bar code strips."

 

Currently 32 states require a form of ID to vote.

59 minutes ago, Tippaporn said:

Fox News - Authorities seize thousands of fake IDs headed to New York in Kentucky

 

"The IDs were heading from China to various locations in New York, the federal agency said, adding that the fake driver’s licenses were seized at an Express Consignment Operations hub in Louisville, Ky."

 

ABC News - Thousands of fake IDs bound for New York seized in Louisville

 

"The shipments all originated in China."

 

American Military News (mostly factual - least biased according to Media Bias Fact Check) - 20,000 fake licenses mostly from China seized at Chicago O’Hare airport in 2020

 

"CBP noted some of the fake licenses going through the IMF facility, bound for Michigan, actually had working bar code strips."

 

Currently 32 states require a form of ID to vote.

And these fake drivers' licenses were going to be used for illegal voting? Because people are going to risk imprisonment to case a fake ballot?  Can you think of any other reason why illegal drivers' licenses might be in demand?  Something that might actually promise economic and mobility benefits? Anything at all come to mind?

This thread is as close as I can find to post this stunning article by the Wall Street Journal explaining the chaos which can ensue in the upcoming November election.  I consider this a must read by all those who have an interest understanding the election process (and how mass mail in ballots could certainly lead to this chaos).

 

WJS - Mail-In Voting Could Deliver Chaos

 

There are too many points that are of critical importance in understanding the process for me to quote from the piece while keeping within fair use guidelines.  I would highly recommend Dan Bongino's latest broadcast as he does an excellent job of explaining how the process works and the dire implications if things go horribly wrong.  There may be others who are providing in depth explanation for those who don't like Bongino but Bongino is definitely one such individual.

 

I would include this video of Hillary Clinton advising Joe Biden to not concede under any circumstances as I believe it is highly related to the WSJ article.  The interview with Jennifer Pamieri (White House Director of Communications from 2013 to 2015 and Director of Communications for the Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign) is contained in this article.

 

The Hill - Hillary Clinton: Biden 'should not concede under any circumstances'

 

Bottom line is that the entire election could easily be thrown into chaos, hence Clinton's suggestion to Biden to not concede if he loses.  In my opinion this is exactly the strategy the Democrats plan to take if they lose.

5 minutes ago, Tippaporn said:

This thread is as close as I can find to post this stunning article by the Wall Street Journal explaining the chaos which can ensue in the upcoming November election.  I consider this a must read by all those who have an interest understanding the election process (and how mass mail in ballots could certainly lead to this chaos).

 

WJS - Mail-In Voting Could Deliver Chaos

 

There are too many points that are of critical importance in understanding the process for me to quote from the piece while keeping within fair use guidelines.  I would highly recommend Dan Bongino's latest broadcast as he does an excellent job of explaining how the process works and the dire implications if things go horribly wrong.  There may be others who are providing in depth explanation for those who don't like Bongino but Bongino is definitely one such individual.

 

I would include this video of Hillary Clinton advising Joe Biden to not concede under any circumstances as I believe it is highly related to the WSJ article.  The interview with Jennifer Pamieri (White House Director of Communications from 2013 to 2015 and Director of Communications for the Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign) is contained in this article.

 

The Hill - Hillary Clinton: Biden 'should not concede under any circumstances'

 

Bottom line is that the entire election could easily be thrown into chaos, hence Clinton's suggestion to Biden to not concede if he loses.  In my opinion this is exactly the strategy the Democrats plan to take if they lose.

American intelligence and law enforcement agencies found no issues.

 

I highly recommend you follow their advice and lay off the conspiracy theories.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Trump has said repeatedly, without offering evidence, that mail-in voting - long a fixture in American elections - will lead to fraud in this year's election.

 

The Republican president trails Democratic challenger Joe Biden in opinion polls.

trump has already moved onto his next ridiculous claim

 

Trump challenges Biden to drug test before debate https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-53927766

 

What a sad little man he is

3 hours ago, Bluespunk said:

Trump challenges Biden to drug test before debate

From the looks of it the other night Don Jr and his girlfriend need the drug tests.  Or were they auditioning for a remake of Scarface?

 

 

48 minutes ago, bendejo said:

From the looks of it the other night Don Jr and his girlfriend need the drug tests.  Or were they auditioning for a remake of Scarface?

 

 

Sources please why they would need drug tests or is it just your opinion

1 minute ago, riclag said:

Sources please why they would need drug tests or is it just your opinion

Old weepy eyes and the screamer were very hard to watch. At least drugs would give them an excuse.

7 hours ago, rvaviator said:

Deep state ... Q etc ..... ???? .... 'Open your eyes' ... Look on YouTube .. all the facts are there !

 

10 hours ago, J Town said:

Waiting to see how 45 sympathizers will spin THIS one.

The usual; the intelligence agencies are only correct when Trump agrees with them.

9 hours ago, Tippaporn said:

Fox News - Authorities seize thousands of fake IDs headed to New York in Kentucky

 

"The IDs were heading from China to various locations in New York, the federal agency said, adding that the fake driver’s licenses were seized at an Express Consignment Operations hub in Louisville, Ky."

 

ABC News - Thousands of fake IDs bound for New York seized in Louisville

 

"The shipments all originated in China."

 

American Military News (mostly factual - least biased according to Media Bias Fact Check) - 20,000 fake licenses mostly from China seized at Chicago O’Hare airport in 2020

 

"CBP noted some of the fake licenses going through the IMF facility, bound for Michigan, actually had working bar code strips."

 

Currently 32 states require a form of ID to vote.

An opinion piece behind a paywall--you can't argue with that.  Oh wait...you can.  If there were anything credible in your source you would quote it.

3 hours ago, riclag said:

Sources please why they would need drug tests or is it just your opinion

https://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2020-53927766

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-demands-a-drug-test-before-first-election-debate-with-joe-biden/ar-BB18p8s3

https://news.yahoo.com/trump-wants-biden-drug-test-232410280.html

 

Take your pick.  Or find more.

14 hours ago, webfact said:

Trump has said repeatedly, without offering evidence

Theres that oh so familiar line again lol!

On 8/27/2020 at 8:58 AM, Tippaporn said:

This thread is as close as I can find to post this stunning article by the Wall Street Journal explaining the chaos which can ensue in the upcoming November election.  I consider this a must read by all those who have an interest understanding the election process (and how mass mail in ballots could certainly lead to this chaos).

 

WJS - Mail-In Voting Could Deliver Chaos

 

There are too many points that are of critical importance in understanding the process for me to quote from the piece while keeping within fair use guidelines.  I would highly recommend Dan Bongino's latest broadcast as he does an excellent job of explaining how the process works and the dire implications if things go horribly wrong.  There may be others who are providing in depth explanation for those who don't like Bongino but Bongino is definitely one such individual.

 

I would include this video of Hillary Clinton advising Joe Biden to not concede under any circumstances as I believe it is highly related to the WSJ article.  The interview with Jennifer Pamieri (White House Director of Communications from 2013 to 2015 and Director of Communications for the Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign) is contained in this article.

 

The Hill - Hillary Clinton: Biden 'should not concede under any circumstances'

 

Bottom line is that the entire election could easily be thrown into chaos, hence Clinton's suggestion to Biden to not concede if he loses.  In my opinion this is exactly the strategy the Democrats plan to take if they lose.

The election process failed in 2016 when the popular vote was ignored. 

Dump the electoral college then voter fraud would be insignificant noise. 

44 minutes ago, RocketDog said:

The election process failed in 2016 when the popular vote was ignored. 

Dump the electoral college then voter fraud would be insignificant noise. 

I think the majority of the people in America would agree that the electoral college and the two senate seats per state are outdated structures. I mean Wyoming has 0.18% of the population yet they get the same number of senators as California who is over 12% of the population. The electoral college has affected both parties but neither will likely budge if they think it benefits them in the short term. Republicans would never allow the senate change as they would never hold the senate again if it happened. 

10 minutes ago, Tippaporn said:

Propaganda that you can't seem to recognize.  A lie repeated often enough becomes the truth.

As Trump and his followers try to demonstrate with their repeated lies about fraud and mail-in voting.

 

Well actually that and a whole bunch of other lies.

 

 

1 hour ago, RocketDog said:

The election process failed in 2016 when the popular vote was ignored. 

Dump the electoral college then voter fraud would be insignificant noise. 

The Electoral College was designed as a Constitutional limitation on direct democracy.  The United States was founded as a Republic, not as a Democracy.  If you're an American you need to educate yourself on the founding of the country, the difference between a Republic and Democracy, why the founders chose a Republic over a Democracy, and why they even feared a Democracy.  You need to study their arguments.  Otherwise, you end with a superficial understanding where it appears that a true Democracy - one man, one vote - would work.

 

One huge problem with the people of the U.S., from my point of view, is that the educational system has failed to teach it's citizens as children growing up their own history.  A part of me thinks it was done on purpose.

44 minutes ago, Tippaporn said:

Propaganda that you can't seem to recognize.  A lie repeated often enough becomes the truth.

No better proof  of that than listening to the same obvious lies repeated at nauseum by trump. Discerning minds fail to fall for it though regardless of how it's repeated. 

I totally understand your point. Surprised to see you state it though. Thank you for your honesty. 

31 minutes ago, Tippaporn said:

The Electoral College was designed as a Constitutional limitation on direct democracy.  The United States was founded as a Republic, not as a Democracy.  If you're an American you need to educate yourself on the founding of the country, the difference between a Republic and Democracy, why the founders chose a Republic over a Democracy, and why they even feared a Democracy.  You need to study their arguments.  Otherwise, you end with a superficial understanding where it appears that a true Democracy - one man, one vote - would work.

 

One huge problem with the people of the U.S., from my point of view, is that the educational system has failed to teach it's citizens as children growing up their own history.  A part of me thinks it was done on purpose.

It may have been rational long ago when communication was difficult and many people less educated. No political system is without flaws and should be a work in progress. If you're an American you are familiar with  Amendments to the Constitution. 

 

Consider that poll tax was eliminated, women given the vote, and Prohibition tried and repealed, etc. The world moves forward. It is clear that the internet will enable a direct democracy eventually; as you say, one person, one vote since women can now vote too. That was an Amendment too although many men considered it a threat to their democracy. 

 

Mail in voting is relatively new, but hardly untested. Why does it disturb you so? Do you feel threatened? It's pretty clear that Trump does. Why is that do you think? 

3 hours ago, Tippaporn said:

The Electoral College was designed as a Constitutional limitation on direct democracy.  The United States was founded as a Republic, not as a Democracy.  If you're an American you need to educate yourself on the founding of the country, the difference between a Republic and Democracy, why the founders chose a Republic over a Democracy, and why they even feared a Democracy.  You need to study their arguments.  Otherwise, you end with a superficial understanding where it appears that a true Democracy - one man, one vote - would work.

 

One huge problem with the people of the U.S., from my point of view, is that the educational system has failed to teach it's citizens as children growing up their own history.  A part of me thinks it was done on purpose.

You haven’t any idea what you’re posting about and have been spending far too much time on right wing commentary.

 

Read this and educate yourself.

 

“The primary positions of power within a republic are attained, through democracy, or a mix of democracy with aristocracy and/or monarchy, rather than being unalterably occupied.“

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic

7 hours ago, Tippaporn said:

The Electoral College was designed as a Constitutional limitation on direct democracy.  The United States was founded as a Republic, not as a Democracy.  If you're an American you need to educate yourself on the founding of the country, the difference between a Republic and Democracy, why the founders chose a Republic over a Democracy, and why they even feared a Democracy.  You need to study their arguments.  Otherwise, you end with a superficial understanding where it appears that a true Democracy - one man, one vote - would work.

 

One huge problem with the people of the U.S., from my point of view, is that the educational system has failed to teach it's citizens as children growing up their own history.  A part of me thinks it was done on purpose.

Actually, the system was a compromise. Some wanted a direct vote. Others wanted a parliamentary system. So this was what they came up with. And to assuage the South, they made each slave count for 3/5ths of a person to increase slave states representation in the House.

Troll posts removed. 

 

On 8/27/2020 at 6:06 AM, webfact said:

U.S. officials see no evidence of foreign meddling with mail-in ballots

It's the domestic meddling that has always been the issue in the US.  Land of the free and the home of Democracy and God-honest elections  <laughs>

8 hours ago, Tippaporn said:

The Electoral College was designed as a Constitutional limitation on direct democracy.  The United States was founded as a Republic, not as a Democracy.  If you're an American you need to educate yourself on the founding of the country, the difference between a Republic and Democracy, why the founders chose a Republic over a Democracy, and why they even feared a Democracy.  You need to study their arguments.  Otherwise, you end with a superficial understanding where it appears that a true Democracy - one man, one vote - would work.

 

One huge problem with the people of the U.S., from my point of view, is that the educational system has failed to teach it's citizens as children growing up their own history.  A part of me thinks it was done on purpose.

It really doesn't matter.  Since Citizens United vs FEC (more aptly named Corporations United) important elections goes to whoever is given the most money by large institutional donors, although sometimes someone squeaks though the cracks and upsets the apple cart  ????  maga <laughs>.