Should Paper Ballot Forensic Audits Modeled After the AZ Audit Become Standard Practice in America?

The Arizona (AZ) audit, initiated by Trump supporters with 'fake auditors,' is a controversial example of such an audit. The term 'audit,' however, is a misnomer here, as the process is far from a genuine quality audit, especially given the lack of expertise and transparency involved in it. This article aims to examine whether audits similar to the AZ audit should become standard practice in America.

Why Arizona's Audit Is Not a Quality Audit

Arizona's audit, often referred to as the 'AZ audit,' is a contentious issue as it is conducted by inexperienced individuals and lacks rigorous and impartial procedures. The process appears to be more of a political stunt than a legitimate audit.
It is vital to have honest, non-partisan, and expert-led audits that maintain legal custody chains. The current AZ audit does not meet these standards, and it is crucial to avoid such practices unless they follow proper and transparent procedures.

The Security Measures in Arizona's Audit

Despite the stringent security measures in place, the AZ audit process is also marked by several procedural issues. Here are the measures taken to ensure the security of the audit:

Check Points: Three check points are set up at the entrance of the venue, and no electronic devices, paper, writing utensils, or cell phones are allowed. Health and Safety: Pre-COVID tests are conducted, and masks are required. This ensures that the environment is safe for all participants. Surveillance and Management: Law enforcement escorts are present, and cameras are installed to monitor the audit. The process is meticulously controlled to prevent any unauthorized communication or tampering. Document Control: Every box is logged and surveilled, and the workers are color-coded into quadrants to maintain order and accountability. Proximity: Participants are escorted to ensure they do not mingle or communicate with individuals not part of the designated team.

These measures give the appearance of a well-organized and secure process. However, the content of the audit itself lacks credibility due to the involvement of 'fake auditors' with no transparent procedures.

The GOP View on Arizona's Audit

Interestingly, even many GOP officials are criticizing the professionalism of the audit firm involved in the AZ audit. This lack of transparency and adherence to standard procedures is evident from the criticism received. The current audit model is far from a professional and impartial practice, and it is essential to understand that audits should be conducted with integrity and without political bias.

Should the AN Audit Become Standard Practice?

Given the critical issues with the current AZ audit, it is not advisable to make such audits standard practice in America. While the security measures may appear sufficient, the transparency and expertise are lacking. Here are some points to consider:

Expertise: Audits should be conducted by experts familiar with the process and procedures, not individuals chosen for their political affiliations. Transparency: The audit process should be transparent, with clear rules and procedures that are followed consistently. Independence: Audits should be independent, free from political influence, and conducted with a high degree of professionalism. Partisanship: Ensuring that audits are conducted without political bias is crucial for public trust.

Considering these points, the current model of the AZ audit is not suitable for standard practice. A better approach would be to implement genuine forensic audits conducted by impartial experts with a clear mandate to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Conclusion

The Arizona audit's lack of transparency, expertise, and adherence to standard procedures highlights the need for higher standards in forensic audits. Audits should be conducted with integrity, professionalism, and transparency, without any political influence. Standardizing audits that fail to meet these criteria could undermine public trust in the electoral system and lead to unnecessary disputes and legal challenges.

Therefore, it is paramount to reevaluate the current practices and ensure that audits follow a robust, transparent, and impartial process before considering them as standard practice in America.