In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing need for a statewide risk-limiting audit of the upcoming November 5, 2024 federal Senate election. Advocates for the audit emphasized the importance of transparency and accuracy in the electoral process, particularly in light of the contentious nature of the 2020 election.

Shelley Overlander, chair of the Loudoun County electoral board, presented a unanimous request from her board for the state to conduct a risk-limiting audit using the batch comparison method. Overlander highlighted that this method not only verifies election results but also addresses potential undercount issues associated with vote tabulation machines. She noted that Loudoun County has successfully conducted multiple audits with bipartisan support, reinforcing the community's commitment to election integrity.

Virginia Derby Jordan, chair of the Orange County electoral board, echoed Overlander's sentiments, advocating for the batch comparison method over the ballot polling method. Jordan stressed that the batch comparison method is quick, transparent, and reproducible, making it easier to explain to the public, including non-English speakers. She also raised concerns about voter registration accuracy and the potential for hacking, urging the board to adopt consistent auditing practices across different voting systems.

The meeting also featured a more contentious discussion led by John Flapis, a former legislative assistant, who criticized the board for allegedly enabling election fraud by allowing non-citizens to vote. Flapis called for stricter verification processes and the use of available federal databases to prevent such occurrences, expressing frustration over perceived lapses in election integrity measures.

As the November election approaches, the push for a statewide audit reflects a growing demand for accountability and trust in the electoral process, with officials and community leaders advocating for measures that ensure fair and accurate elections.