Here’s what I would do if I were President of the United States: my complete approach incorporates restructuring the database, using paper ballots, imposing strict mail-in ballot limits, and implementing manual counting for a transparent and secure election process. The people of the United States own the election process—you pay for it. This ownership ensures that such a system can be implemented efficiently and effectively, reflecting the public’s interests in maintaining a secure and reliable voting process.
1. Paper Ballots for All In-Person Voting
- Paper Ballots as Standard: Every in-person voter would cast a vote using a secure paper ballot, creating a physical record that is straightforward, auditable, and free from electronic vulnerabilities. All voters would be required to present valid identification and verify their U.S. citizenship. Each paper ballot would also include unique, invisible markings—different each year—to ensure that every ballot is verifiable and can be manually recounted if needed.
2. Strict Eligibility for Mail-In Ballots
With a foundation of paper ballots in place, limiting mail-in voting strictly to those who truly need it adds another layer of control and clarity.
- Mail-In Ballots for Documented Disabilities Only: Mail-in voting would be strictly limited to individuals with certain circumstances, or special case, documented disabilities, making this option available only to those who genuinely need it. Voters would need to provide official documentation, such as a doctor’s note or disability certification, to qualify, and proper ID would be required as well. Only U.S. citizens would be eligible.
- Tracking and Verification of Mail-In Ballots: Each mail-in ballot would have a unique tracking ID and invisible markings so that both the voter and election officials could monitor its status throughout the entire process. This would help prevent potential mishandling or delays.
3. Manual Counting and Verification Process
To ensure a transparent vote count, all ballots would be counted by hand, allowing for accuracy that’s visible to all participants.
- Hand Counting at Precinct Level: All paper ballots, both in-person and mail-in, would be counted by hand at each precinct to enhance transparency. Counters would work in bipartisan teams, and public observers would be encouraged to oversee the process.
- Secondary Count for Verification: After initial counting at precincts, ballots would be transferred securely to a centralized location for a secondary verification count. This step would double-check the accuracy of precinct results and provide an additional layer of accountability.
4. Strict Chain of Custody for All Ballots
Every ballot’s journey from polling place to counting facility would be fully documented, leaving no room for tampering.
- Documented Transfer for Mail-In and In-Person Ballots: A strict chain-of-custody log would accompany every ballot, recording each stage from the polling station to the counting facility. Signatures and timestamps would track every movement, ensuring a clear, secure record.
5. Enhanced Transparency with Regular Counting Updates
Transparency during counting is key to maintaining public trust in the process.
- Real-Time Updates on Counting Progress: The public would receive updates on counting progress at each location, including how many ballots have been processed and an estimated time for completion. This regular reporting would help reduce confusion and provide insight into the process.
6. Routine Audits and Spot Checks
Audits would serve as an ongoing check, ensuring the reliability of results and reinforcing the accuracy of the voting system.
- Mandatory Post-Election Audits: Randomized audits would be conducted on a percentage of precincts to confirm accuracy. With fewer mail-in ballots and an all-paper system, these audits would be more manageable and could be carried out efficiently.
7. Public Education and Clarity
Clear information on the election process would help voters feel informed and confident in the security of their vote.
- Clear Guidelines and Support for Voters: Clear communication on the use of paper ballots, eligibility requirements for mail-in voting, and the manual counting process would set expectations. Resources would be provided to explain how to vote in person or request a mail-in ballot if eligible, helping voters understand their options and the secure measures in place. Additionally, I would develop an app to provide real-time updates, allowing voters to track the status of their ballots and see the voting process unfold. This app would increase transparency, enabling people to see for themselves that every step is secure and accurate.
8. Database Accuracy: Strengthening Voter Rolls Through Timely Reporting of Deceased Individuals
To keep voter databases accurate, timely reporting of deaths would prevent any potential for misuse.
- Timely Reporting of Deaths: Coroners should be required to report all deaths immediately to a central system. This would allow for the prompt removal of the deceased’s Social Security Number and personal information from election rolls, preventing any potential for misuse. Audits of death records would be conducted every three years. Coroners who fail to report deaths in a timely manner would incur fines, and repeated non-compliance would prompt a strict audit to investigate any potential wrongdoing, with penalties applied if issues are found. This approach would reinforce the proper and prompt reporting of deaths, enhancing the accuracy of voter records.
This structure, applied consistently across all states in the United States, would standardize paper ballots as the foundation and restrict mail-in voting to those with documented disabilities, ensuring accuracy and public trust. No state would have the authority to alter any part of this process without a vote from the people, securing a nationwide, transparent, and dependable system by combining manual counting with clear tracking and auditing.


I’d vote for this 😉
Thank you very much! 😎
Great idea but my concern is with mail in ballots. From what you say here, I get the impression that if only proven disabled people are allowed mail in ballots, then I would be ineligible to vote since I am an American citizen living abroad and vote by Overseas Postal Ballot. Would you scrap that?
On another note, it is because I live abroad that I find it even more important to vote in US elections because I can say for sure that when America sneezes, the rest of the world catches cold.
Thank you very much for your comment! This falls under certain circumstances or special cases, which were intended to be in the article but didn’t make it initially. We’ve now updated it to include certain circumstances and special cases. As a U.S. citizen, you’re eligible to vote. I’m glad you like the idea, and thanks for your insight. 😎
Thank you so much for replying to 80smetalman here, John. I had not thought of his scenario.
You’re welcome, Sheila! I subscribed to his blog to support his work—he’s always supportive here. I’ll be reading some of his posts at some point tonight. I would have gotten a chance last night, but things got way busier here, and I ran out of time unfortunately.
Beautiful. You’re a kind soul.
Thank you very much for your kind words, Sheila! You’re a kind soul as well. I hope you have a great night! 😎
Thank you for subscribing to my blog. I also write another one called Peaceful Rampage which also might interest you.
Thank you very much; I subscribed to that as well. 😎
Yes, great comment and valid point, Michael. I’m glad John could answer it for you! (I am just now getting to my messages after a whirlwind day)!
This sounds great to me! I read something on Tangle today and was thinking of sharing it in my post tomorrow (but it may not be until Sunday). So I will include a link to this in that post. Again, this is an important topic.
Thank you very much, Sheila! I’m glad this resonates with you, and I appreciate you considering sharing it in your post. Including a link is a great way to keep the conversation going—I absolutely agree, it’s definitely an important topic. It took me a good while to figure out a fair way to make our elections impenetrable, and it wasn’t easy. I hope it makes an impact. I hope you have a great night! 😎
Yes, I have to link to it, tomorrow. I knew there was something else I needed to touch on in today’s post!