Fecteau: Clinton Should Participate in a Recount

Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Matt Fecteau, GoLocalPDX Guest MINDSETTER™

Thankfully; Mrs. Hillary Clinton will voluntarily participate in the recount efforts led by a third-party candidate Jill Stein. This is the right call. We should strongly encourage, honor, and respect these efforts to protect our democracy. 

At this time, the Clinton campaign agreed only to a recount in Wisconsin, but has suggested there will probably be involvement in other states. It will presumably participate in efforts in Michigan and Pennsylvania. The aforementioned states were all important to deciding the outcome of the presidential election. 

There is a reason for concern.  Unlike past elections, the documented level of foreign interference has been unprecedented. A number of intelligence agencies have already determined that Russia was behind the hacks on the Democratic National Committee, and Mrs. Clinton’s emails. There is also heavy suspicion that Russia is behind propagating false news stories that have unfairly influenced American voters. 

A number of computer scientists came forward claiming there were anomalies. These scientists believe Clinton performed questionably worse in states the relied on electronic voting technologies. While no evidence of hacking exists at the moment, an impartial examination should stamp out any perception. 

Fear not, the taxpayers will not foot the bill. Mrs. Stein raised approximately six million dollars for the recount efforts. Some speculate this amount already far exceeds the cost of an estimated two million dollars for the recounts in all three states.  

I understand there might be some apprehension. President-elect Donald Trump will have nothing to fear. The results will not change. Trump has an insurmountable lead in all three states. The Clinton campaign is simply exercising its right. This is particularly important emerging from a distinctly divisive primary overshadowed by foreign hindrance. 

Mrs. Clinton is doing a public service. Accusations of voter tampering undermine our democracy.  These allegations should be closely examined to determine if there is irrefutable evidence of foreign involvement.  After this particularly divisive election, it is important to combat any perception of voter fraud, and instill faith in our democracy again.  If any malfeasance is discovered, the perpetrators should be brought to justice or held accountable for their crimes. Let the recount efforts go on, but with our blessing. 

Matt Fecteau ([email protected]) is a former White House national security intern and Iraq war veteran.