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The US has a voting machine problem. When millions of Americans cast their vote for president in 2020, they will likely do so on decades-old, potentially faulty machines. This is how flawed our election security is right now 1/ wired.trib.al/QM64sSD
The biggest problem with our voting machines is age. A new survey from NYU’s Brennan Center for Justice shows that 40 states are using machines that are at least 10 years old, and 45 states are using equipment that’s not even manufactured anymore 2/ wired.trib.al/QM64sSD
Old machines are a major problem for two reasons:
1. They create security vulnerabilities that can't be patched.
2. They lead to break downs, which lead to longer lines, which increases the chances of voters giving up and going home 3/ wired.trib.al/LAfc3Dj
As one security researcher showed by buying old machines off eBay, they’re terrifyingly easy to hack. Within hours, he was able to change the candidates' names to be that of anyone he wanted 4/ wired.trib.al/PWQrkIS
Security researchers have also shown that some voting machines in use right now are rife with vulnerabilities. In their analysis of seven active models, researchers found security flaws ranging from weak passwords to avenues for remote access 5/ wired.trib.al/LAfc3Dj
The good news is states recognize the problem. Thirty one of them say they need upgrades. The bad news is only about a third of them have enough money to do so 6/ wired.trib.al/QM64sSD
Congress has tried to fix this voting security issue before. Since 2015, it has given states $380 million to update their voting systems. But states need more, and they need it soon so they’re not relying on unproven equipment in 2020 7/ wired.trib.al/QM64sSD
The scariest part? NYU’s report might not even tell the full story. They sent the survey to thousands of election officials and only received about 900 responses. As bleak as this is, it may actually paint a rosier picture than what’s really going on 8/ wired.trib.al/QM64sSD
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