Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility for U.S. citizens, yet the process of sorting, transporting, and storing physical ballots often becomes a topic of debate. Concerns range from how mail-in votes are handled to what happens to ballot boxes in transit, with the integrity of every vote constantly in question.
That’s why tracking ballot boxes and reporting any inconsistencies in real time is essential. GPS tracking devices offer the most cost-effective solution for monitoring the location and status of ballot boxes throughout the election process.
Ballot Box Integrity is in the Spotlight
With the 2024 presidential election approaching, election security has been in the spotlight. While concerns about voter fraud often focus on the ballot itself before it enters the ballot box, the security of the ballot boxes is just as important.
Several states have introduced or modified laws to reduce the time voters have to apply for mail-in or absentee ballots. Others have shortened the return window or limited the availability of drop-boxes for absentee ballots. These measures are intended to enhance election security by reducing the opportunities for interference or tampering with the voting process.
Why GPS Ballot Box Tracking is Essential
Once in-person ballot boxes are full and sealed, they must follow specific, predetermined routes to ensure a safe, secure delivery to election offices or designated facilities. Any deviation from these planned routes could raise concerns about tampering or compromise the perceived legitimacy of the voting process.
GPS tracking devices provide a simple yet highly effective way to monitor the real-time location of ballot boxes. Lightweight and slim, these devices use GPS and cellular technology, paired with easy-to-use software or apps that display the exact location of each box. This capability allows election officials to respond immediately to any deviations from the designated route or schedule.
Security
The primary benefit of GPS tracking devices in the voting process is ensuring the security of ballot boxes. With real-time monitoring, any unauthorized movement of a ballot box immediately alerts election officials. In cases where ballot box transportation must be re-routed, such as during a traffic incident, officials can see the vehicle’s exact location and instantly contact drivers for updates.
Transparency
Access to detailed, timely information about ballot box movements allows election officials to maintain accurate records of the entire voting process. This level of documentation allows teams to create comprehensive reports on the handling and transportation of ballot boxes, which enhances the overall transparency of election operations.
Trust
Ultimately, these measures build trust between voters, political parties, and election officials. Unlike the controversies surrounding the 2020 election, where concerns about ballot box security fueled conspiracy theories, GPS tracking allows election officials to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining ballot integrity. A more transparent, secure process strengthens public trust and reinforces the foundations of voting and democracy.
Added Benefits for Election Officials
Election officials and their teams can gain a number of benefits by utilizing ballot box tracking devices beyond contributing to a fairer voting process.
Efficiency
By streamlining logistics, planning and tracking routes, and understanding any deviations in real time, ballot transportation becomes much more efficient. Ballot boxes reach their destinations faster, which contributes to a quicker, clearer voting outcome for the general public.
Accurate and Complete Data
Ballot box tracking devices connect to software that stores historical data on all movements. Analytics and reporting tools can use this data to flag any inconsistencies or irregularities — and demonstrate that the process ran smoothly and that there were no issues throughout the process.
Cost-Effectiveness of Ballot Box Tracking
GPS trackers are cost-effective and ensure transparency, security, and integrity throughout the ballot box collection and transportation process. Many trackers, like the lightweight, user-friendly LandAirSea 54, feature geofencing technology. If a ballot box moves outside the predefined boundary, an immediate alert notifies election officials, allowing them to take instant action. With affordable hardware and subscription costs to cover cellular data use, GPS trackers are a small investment for secure, trustworthy elections.