1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to express my support for strong election integrity—and my concern that current debates are too often shaped by misinformation rather than evidence. Free and fair elections depend on public trust. However, repeated claims of widespread voter fraud or noncitizen voting are not supported by available data. Reviews by state officials, courts, and independent researchers have consistently found such cases to be exceedingly rare. When policymakers overstate these risks, it can unintentionally erode confidence in elections rather than strengthen it. I am also concerned about potential unintended consequences of proposals such as the SAVE Act. While the goal of ensuring only eligible citizens vote is important, requiring documentary proof of citizenship could create barriers for lawful voters—particularly seniors, low-income individuals, rural residents, and those whose legal documents do not match their current names. Safeguarding elections should not come at the cost of disenfranchising eligible Americans. I believe there are more effective, evidence-based ways to strengthen election integrity while preserving access to the ballot, including: * Routine voter list maintenance: States can improve accuracy by regularly updating voter rolls using reliable data sources such as death records and interstate data-sharing programs like the Electronic Registration Information Center, which helps identify outdated or duplicate registrations. * Risk-limiting audits: Expanding post-election audits—particularly risk-limiting audits—provides statistically rigorous verification of election outcomes and has been successfully implemented in multiple states to increase confidence in results. * Paper ballot backups: Ensuring that all voting systems produce voter-verifiable paper records allows for recounts and audits independent of electronic systems, a best practice recommended by election security experts. * Cybersecurity investments: Continued support for agencies such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency helps states defend against foreign interference and digital threats to election infrastructure. * Well-resourced election administration: Providing adequate funding and training for local election officials reduces errors, improves compliance with existing safeguards, and ensures smooth, secure elections. * Targeted voter ID solutions: Where identification requirements are used, offering free and easily accessible IDs can help maintain security without excluding eligible voters. * Transparency and public education: Clear communication about how elections are conducted—including bipartisan oversight, chain-of-custody procedures, and audit results—can counter misinformation and strengthen public trust. These approaches address documented risks while reinforcing both the security and accessibility of our elections. I urge you to prioritize policies grounded in evidence that protect both the integrity of our elections and the fundamental right to vote. Thank you for your service and for considering my perspective.