Lauren Martel, Bluffton Attorney, and former candidate for S.C. Attorney General writes the following about CVR and S.C. election integrity:
I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a grave issue regarding election integrity in South Carolina that demands urgent consideration. As a co-counsel in a lawsuit aimed at protecting the Cast Vote Record (CVR) from 2020, I was recently dismayed by a court decision that dismissed our case without a final trial or without hearing from our expert witnesses. This decision, which I believe to be deeply flawed, underscores a broader and more troubling pattern of corruption and a lack of transparency within the South Carolina election system.
CVR – Cast Vote Record
Our case revolved around the CVR, a critical tool designed for conducting audits and ensuring transparency in elections. Despite testimony from three expert witnesses affirming that the CVR contains no Personally Identifiable Information (PII), the court sided with the South Carolina Attorney General’s erroneous opinions, effectively barring public access to the CVR. This ruling stands in stark contrast to the practices of 28 other states, where citizens are permitted to review the CVR to detect anomalies and ensure election integrity.
It is essential to understand the broader context in which this decision was made. The South Carolina General Assembly appoints the judiciary, creating an environment where judges may feel pressured to align with political interests rather than upholding justice. In this case, the judge’s decision appears to reflect a reluctance to challenge the Attorney General, whose opinions were instrumental in this outcome.
Furthermore, the South Carolina Election Commission, appointed by the Governor and not elected by the people, has been complicit in maintaining a system that undermines transparency. Under the leadership of individuals like Howard Knapp and Marcie Andino, and supported by the law firm Burr Forman, which deployed over eight lawyers against us, this system has perpetuated a facade of election integrity that does not withstand scrutiny.
This case is more than just a legal setback; it is a red flag for election integrity in South Carolina. The current system, from the actions of the SCGOP at the most local level, to the highest levels of government, reveals a disturbing disregard for the principles of transparency and integrity that are the foundation of our republic, a government based on the rule of law.
Democrats and Republicans alike are aware of the critical importance of the CVR and its role in safeguarding our elections. The situation in South Carolina should be of significant concern as it highlights the dangers of an unchecked electoral system that can be manipulated by those in power. I urge you to consider this matter seriously and take any steps necessary to bring attention to the issues at hand. I know we are encouraging voting and early voting— I understand and I am actively seeking a big America First Wave— but I do believe this information is vital.
We remain optimistic that we can prevail in future efforts to secure election integrity, but we must all be vigilant about the incompetence and corruption currently undermining the process in South Carolina.
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