Why some people want to count votes by hand in elections.
**Unraveling the Truth Behind Hand Counting Votes**
In the heart of Gillespie County, Texas, a battle brews over the traditional method of hand-counting votes versus modern technology. Mark Cook, a vocal proponent of hand-counting ballots, has been traveling across the country in his RV to spread his message of election doubt. According to Cook, relying on voting machines opens the door to manipulation, making hand counts the only trustworthy option.
**The Hand Count Roadshow**
With over 100 county visits under his belt, Cook’s three-hour presentation, dubbed the “Hand Count Roadshow,” aims to sway voters to his cause. Last year, Cook persuaded Republicans in Gillespie County to hand count their primary votes. On election night, hundreds of volunteers toiled through the early hours, manually tallying 8,000 votes and uncovering numerous errors in the process.
**Unveiling Controversy**
Jim Riley, the elections administrator of Gillespie County, expressed skepticism about the necessity of hand counting. Despite the county’s already robust paper ballot system scanned for accuracy, the pressure from hand count advocates continues to grow. Former Republican chair Mo Saiidi, who resigned in protest, highlighted the lack of evidence supporting the vulnerability of electronic voting systems.
**The Georgia Factor**
Recent developments in Georgia, where a rule mandating hand counting of ballots in the upcoming election was passed, have exacerbated tensions. Democrats have filed a lawsuit to challenge the implementation of this rule, setting the stage for a contentious showdown. Despite studies indicating the drawbacks of hand counts, Cook remains steadfast in his advocacy.
**Challenging Conventions**
Efforts to derail hand counting initiatives are met with staunch opposition from fervent supporters, painting detractors as adversaries of transparency. Riley lamented the community’s perception of hand counting advocates as the saviors of election integrity when the existing system functioned effectively.
Amidst the turmoil in Gillespie County, the debate rages on, with no end in sight. Cook’s RV may have rolled on to the next destination, but the echoes of his crusade linger, impacting local politics and igniting a flame of controversy.
