Rep. Vicki Kraft asks for a forensic image of any and every election system in Washington be properly captured before any upgrade

Representative from the 17th District makes her request/demand in Tuesday letter to Secretary of State Kim Wyman

Rep. Vicki Kraft (Republican, 17th District) is requesting and demanding that a forensic image of any and every election system in each of Washington’s 39 counties be properly captured before any upgrade is done.

Kraft made her request/demand in a letter dated Aug. 17 to Secretary of State Kim Wyman and the “Washington County Auditors Of all 39 Counties in WA State.’’  

“Clearly there are many questions and issues to be addressed regarding our November 2020 elections,’’ Kraft wrote. “I am writing to request and demand that a forensic image of any and every election system in each county, especially any used in the November 2020 election, be properly captured before any upgrade (software, hardware, etc.) is done.

“A backup is not the same as a forensic image,’’ Kraft added. “Capturing a forensic image of these systems will work to help ensure the integrity of the system before and after the upgrade. It will also provide the proper information needed in the case of a forensic audit. If you have, or have not, already captured a forensic image of your election systems before making any upgrades following the November 2020 election, please let me know this.’’

Kraft provided a copy of the letter to her fellow members in the Washington State Legislature.

“You are welcome to respond to the entire Legislature as well, whom I have copied on the electronic delivery of this letter,’’ she wrote. “Federal Code Title 52 USC 20701 requires all records and papers related to an election be retained and preserved for a period of twenty-two months. This requires all digital records and data as well. 

“Taking a forensic image of all election systems before any upgrade is completed will help ensure the optimum integrity of these records,’’ Kraft wrote. “This is not a partisan issue. We all have the duty of providing the highest level of integrity, transparency and accountability when executing the duties of our office. 

“As the election officials for our state, you have a critical role and responsibility in ensuring all properly registered Washington voters can have confidence their vote and voice was accurately counted,’’ Kraft added. “Your help with this request will work to achieve that essential outcome.’’

A full copy of Kraft’s letter can be viewed here: