With less than 35 days remaining until Election Day and early voting underway throughout the United States, concerns over the privacy of ballots are rising among voters.
Election officials, along with voter registration advocacy groups and election law specialists, are addressing these concerns. Among them is New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who highlighted a recent study indicating that 70% of voters in her state feel that their voting choices could be disclosed without their consent.
Toulouse Oliver assured voters that no one can ascertain whom an individual voted for without their explicit permission.
Tappan Vickery, senior director of programming and strategy for a voter registration organization, noted an increase in inquiries about ballot privacy. He attributes this surge to heightened media coverage regarding election monitors and a growing public awareness about online data availability, compounded by a highly polarized political climate.
“Hyperpartisanship and the intense emotions surrounding political divisions make individuals more apprehensive about expressing their viewpoints, especially in environments where they feel unwelcome,” Vickery commented.
Concerns about ballot privacy extend into personal relationships as well. Olivia Dreizen Howell, co-founder of an organization dedicated to aiding individuals during major life changes, reports receiving questions from women worried about whether their partners could discover their voting choices.
“For many women, particularly in this pivotal election, critical issues may prompt them to vote outside their registered party lines, possibly conflicting with their partner’s choices,” Dreizen Howell explained.
Understanding ballot privacy is essential. Here’s what voters should know:
Is My Vote Really Private?
The identity of your vote is not disclosed; only you can reveal how you voted.
The principle of voting in secrecy is fundamental to democracy, with the practice dating back to the late 1800s. According to election law experts, all states guarantee a right to a secret ballot, ensuring that a voter’s name remains dissociated from their ballot, preserving anonymity during tabulation.
While the specific candidate you voted for remains confidential, some voter-related information may be accessible to the public, based on your location. This includes details such as your name, address, and party affiliation, which can be found on voter registration lists—public records that campaigns often use for outreach. However, sensitive information like your Social Security number is protected from public disclosure.
If you contribute to a political campaign, the details regarding your donation, including your workplace, may be public, depending on the amount. The Federal Election Commission maintains a database of individual contributions, providing insights but not explicit details on how one voted.
Voting by mail also guarantees that your ballot remains secret. Casting your vote privately ensures it stays confidential when received by election officials.
“Even in states using mail-in ballots, the envelopes remain secure until counted,” Vickery stated. “There are confidentiality measures to ensure that ballot recipients cannot see your name or vote selection.”
Why Is Some Voter Information Public and How Can I Keep It Private?
Election administration balances voter privacy with public transparency, as noted by experts. While you need not worry about your vote being disclosed, there is a necessity for transparency to bolster trust in the electoral system. For example, whether you are registered to vote and your previous voting history is generally available to the public, not private.
Depending on your state, you may have options to minimize the amount of voter information made public. Many states provide “address confidentiality programs” aimed at protecting the privacy of individuals at risk, such as victims of domestic violence.
In states like Alaska and Nevada, voters can formally request to keep their residential information confidential. Certain professionals, including law enforcement personnel and judges, often have mechanisms to protect their information as well.
Furthermore, both federal and state legislation safeguards voters’ privacy during the voting process and restricts election officials from disclosing personal information without consent.
“No election observer should invade your privacy while you vote. If such an incident occurs, report it immediately, as this is illegal,” Vickery asserted.
While the specifics of your vote remain anonymous, voters should be aware of the privacy policies concerning public disclosure of their voter information at their registration location.
“Ensure that the privacy policies align with your comfort level regarding how your data is utilized and how communication is established,” Vickery advised.
