Mark Kapczynski, SVP, Strategic Partnerships at Onerep
The US has historically been a nation divided.
From the societal debate over slavery and the Civil War to the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capital, political divisions and societal strife have always been omnipresent in the US.
This year is different.
The animosity remains as vitriolic as ever, but the antagonism isn’t just directed at politicians and party leaders. It’s reaching individual voters, election workers, and concerned citizens.
Reuters reports that during the 2022 midterm elections, two in five US voters worry about intimidation at the polls. A separate analysis by the Cato Institute found that 62 percent of Americans self-censor their political views, afraid to share them publicly for fear of retribution.
Their perspective is undoubtedly informed by the fact that nearly half the country expects political violence over the upcoming presidential election results, and the US Army generals expressed concerns about an elevated risk of “civil war” following the vote.
These worries may or may not be warranted, but they are undoubtedly real right now.
Even if political violence fails to manifest following the 2024 election, the fear of political violence could have a chilling effect on voter turnout.
Voters are experiencing a proverbial tug-of-war. On the one hand, they want to show up at the polls and make their voices heard. On the other hand, they want to preserve their privacy and prioritize their safety.
Privacy Concerns Among Voters
Registering to vote is a monumental moment for many people. It’s the opportunity to make their voices heard and have their values enacted.
It also requires them to hand over highly sensitive personal information to states, including their names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, party affiliation, and more.
States don’t just store this personal information. It’s often distributed to third parties, exposing voters to identity theft, stalking, election manipulation, and other risks.
Moreover, while voting itself is a private practice, conducted in booths away from prying eyes, voting records are public records in many states. This subjects voters to potential harassment or even retributive political violence.
Specialty websites like VoterRecords.com and various data brokers expose personal and political information, allowing easy access to comprehensive individual profiles and voting records.
This access has simplified targeted attacks and undermined the common belief in the confidentiality of voter registration and preferences.
How to Protect Personal Privacy Before Heading to the Polls
Voters are not powerless.
There are strategic steps people can take to protect their privacy and reduce their exposure to bad actors seeking information about their voting activities.
Best practices include:
- Using a Burner Email Addresses & Phone Numbers: This is especially important when signing up for services you may not fully trust. This keeps your primary contact information out of potentially risky databases.
- Opting Out of People Search Sites: Regularly remove your data from websites like Whitepages, Spokeo, and BeenVerified to minimize your digital footprint.
- Enhancing Social Media Privacy Settings: Tightly control who can access your personal information on social media platforms, sharing details sparingly.
- Securing Your Voter Registration Details: In some states, you can keep your voter registration confidential, especially if your profession or situation demands higher privacy.
- Monitoring and Securing Your Online Presence: Use tools like Google Alerts to monitor mentions of your name and update your passwords and security settings frequently.
These steps empower voters to confidently cast their ballots, knowing their preferences won’t be used against them in the weeks, months, and years ahead.
Language analysis study ranks the angriest U.S. politicians on Twitter(Opens in a new browser tab)
Act Early To Protect Your Privacy
As Election Day approaches, the anticipation and concerns among American voters intensify.
Despite these challenges, there are steps voters can take to safeguard their personal information and exercise their right to vote without fear of retribution or exposure.
By taking proactive measures to secure their online presence and minimize their digital footprint, voters can mitigate the risks associated with participating in one of democracy’s most fundamental acts.
Expect the political climate to heat up as Election Day draws near.
That’s why it’s time to take action now.
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