Secretary of State says Oregon elections are ‘safe, accurate & fair’ ahead of primary

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read and Attorney General Dan Rayfield addressed concerns about the state’s election integrity during a press conference ahead of the May 2024 primary election. Read emphasized that Oregon’s voting system—including paper ballots, signature verification, and secure drop boxes—ensures accuracy and prevents fraud. He highlighted the state’s transparency, such as verified voter registration and real-time ballot tracking, while dismissing claims of insecurity, stating, ‘You can’t hack paper.’" "The secretary of state praised Oregon’s high voter turnout, calling it a ‘gold standard’ in accessibility and security. He credited the state’s mail-in and drop-box system for accommodating busy schedules, with ballots monitored by fire-suppression technology and law enforcement. Every ballot has a unique barcode and paper trail, allowing quick resolution if issues arise, while voter signatures are cross-checked by election officials." "Read criticized the Trump administration for targeting Oregon’s election system, accusing federal officials of overreaching into state voting laws. He noted that while voter fraud is rare, Oregon investigates every complaint and prosecutes violations. The state’s near-record primary turnout, he said, reflects its commitment to inclusive and secure elections." "Oregon’s system allows voters to return ballots via mail, drop boxes, or county offices, ensuring flexibility. Read stressed that every voter’s ballot is verified, and only eligible individuals can cast votes. He also underscored the role of trained election officials in maintaining trust, citing the state’s reputation as a leader in election administration." "The press conference followed reports of heightened scrutiny on Oregon’s elections, with Read dismissing misinformation and reaffirming the state’s commitment to fair and accurate voting processes. He framed Oregon’s system as a model for the nation, contrasting it with federal efforts to limit voting rights.