Note from Commissioner Howell:
Voting May Not Be About Who You Support
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When discussing the 2020 General Election, I’m often asked about claims of widespread fraud and whether the presidency was stolen. While opinions are strong on this matter, I’ve found some interesting data worth considering.
First, in 2016, nearly 8 million people voted for third-party candidates, but in 2020, that number dropped to less than 3 million. Voter registration grew by over 15% between 2016 and 2020 due to a social media push to register and vote, which may help explain this shift.
In both 2016 and 2020, Trump lost the popular vote; however, in 2016, he secured 304 Electoral College (EC) votes - 34 more than required. In 2020, Biden won 306 EC votes, meaning the two Trump campaigns had a swing of 70 EC votes that can be traced to slim margins in four battleground states.
Both Trump and Biden significantly increased their popular vote counts compared to 2016, setting records for the most votes cast for any presidential candidate in U.S. history.
Biden received 15.4 million more votes than Hillary Clinton did in 2016, while Trump gained 11.2 million additional votes. This aligns with the 15.9% rise in voter registrations and a 7% increase in voter participation. Furthermore, 5 million voters who chose third-party candidates in 2016 shifted to one of the major candidates in 2020.
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In the end, for Trump to have won, four battleground states would have needed to swing, by more than 123,000 votes collectively — just 0.07% of the total voters. While Biden didn't have an overwhelming personal following, many voters cast their ballots against Trump, rather than for Biden.
Ultimately, the election was less about Biden’s popularity and more about the divisive feelings toward Trump. Some Republicans supported Trump fervently, while others voted against him, making the 2020 election highly polarized.
Talking about the past election may be interesting but does not have a lot of value now. Trump was confident he was going to win in 2020. Many Republicans were sure the only way he would lose was widespread fraud. Perhaps the truth is, many Republicans didn’t like their nominee. People often vote strategically. They will vote against the one they dislike the most, even if the result is not much better.
These last elections have not been about Clinton, Biden, and now Harris. These elections are really between those who support Trump and those who want anybody but Trump. Don’t blame the election if this doesn’t work out the way you want. If you don’t vote, don’t criticize the results as if election fraud must have happened because our preferred candidate lost.
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Similar to U.S. currency, elections have many security features in each step of the voting process that are designed to combat fraud. Compare that to the elections we trusted 30 or 40 years ago with virtually no thought about integrity and security. Today, the election process in Kansas and especially in Sedgwick County have overlapping security checks and balances that should assure voters that they can trust the accurate results. For example, we do a pre-election machine programming test, and then after each election, a random sample of the ballots is hand-counted in a public audit. In Sedgwick County, every single ballot is a paper ballot. Every ballot that is cast and tabulated is physically retained in a secure manner, so that recounts or audits can be performed.
Whenever I hear of allegations of voter fraud, I take it seriously. I know quite a bit about how elections work, so whenever I hear about systematic election fraud, I spend energy digging into the allegations. The recent film, “2000 Mules,” is likely the most well-known documentary that bolstered the widespread belief that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. There is a major flaw with the film. I don’t want to spoil it for you, so if you are interested in the truth, watch this 20-minute exposé on that obvious flaw: 2000 Mules REVIEW - A Dramatic but EMPTY Film.
If it were true the elections are rigged and there are widespread, unchecked, sinister, bad actors committing all sorts of felonious crimes (flipping votes, injecting or filtering out votes, voting for dead people, counterfeit fake ballots, election staff collusion in the office who add or lose ballots) then we do not have a country. If you believe those theories, then why vote at all? I have been listening and researching these allegations for years now. All those ideas are based on observations but offer no serious data. I will not say there is zero voter fraud, but don’t fall for the 2000 Mules' assertions.
Nevertheless, I am aware of several opportunities that can improve our election security, even in Kansas, and as one who canvasses the county elections and certifies our election results, I will continue to advocate for election policy improvements. In the meantime, vote! Your vote matters and will be tallied accurately. Exercise your Constitutional right.
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The views expressed by Commissioner Jim Howell in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government. | |
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Learn about issues affecting your community!
You are invited to attend the next District 5 Citizens Advisory Board meeting on Friday, Nov. 1, from 4-6 p.m. at the Oaklawn Community Center. Sedgwick County Counselor Justin Waggoner will give a presentation on a resolution ensuring quality of life spending by Sedgwick County Government does not exceed sales tax dollars apportioned to Ad Valorem Tax Relief.
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Other upcoming events with Commissioner Howell: | |
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Monday, Nov. 11, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Range 54, 5725 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, 67218
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This is normally held on the third Tuesday of every month, but because of surgery, Commissioner Howell has to cancel the November event at The Grill in Mulvane. Please plan to attend in December! | | |
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This is normally held on the last Friday of every month, but because of surgery, Commissioner Howell has to cancel the November event at Calvary Baptist Church in Derby. Please plan to attend in December! | |
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Twenty early voting sites now open for 2024 General Election
Voters now have more options than ever to cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 General Election. In addition to advance mail ballots, the Sedgwick County Election Office and 19 satellite polling sites are now open for early in-person voting. Click here for locations and hours. Registered voters who want to cast a ballot on Election Day must go to their assigned polling place. Find your polling station and view a sample ballot at Kansas Secretary of State | VoterView. For other election information, visit www.sedgwickcounty.org/elections/.
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Sedgwick County Corrections is changing lives!
October was an exciting month for staff and clients of Sedgwick County Corrections. Goodwill Industries honored the department with the Kansas 2024 Community Partner of the Year Award. Click here to watch a video produced by Goodwill to show how the collaboration is changing lives in our community.
Corrections' Evening Reporting Center (ERC) also held a quarterly graduation ceremony (shown below), celebrating 10 juveniles who are learning how to make better choices and form healthy, lasting habits. Commissioners and Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau attended the event to congratulate the graduates.
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EMS "in the pink" for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
During October, Sedgwick County EMS wore pink t-shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Shamrock Graphics, which designed the shirt, donated part of the proceeds on behalf of EMS employees, in a check for $1,180 to Victory in the Valley, a local cancer support nonprofit. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer!
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Fire Prevention Week combines safety message and fun for kids
During Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12, Sedgwick County Fire District #1 focused on smoke alarms and their lifesaving potential. The video above explains where smoke alarms should be installed and how to get a free one for your home!
County firefighters also shared a safety message with hundreds of fifth graders by partnering with other first responders for a day of hands-on learning at the Sedgwick County Zoo (shown below).
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Construction progresses to expand Household Hazardous Waste Facility
New concrete is now in place, as crews work to double the size of the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 801 Stillwell. Even though the Swap & Shop inside is temporarily closed, customers can buy 5-gallon buckets of paint in white, tan or gray for $25 each - cash only, please! Call ahead to check what is currently available.
Residents can also continue to drop off unwanted chemicals and cleaners outside HHW. Signs and orange cones will direct traffic to the south gate entrance ONLY. Here is a map of the traffic flow. To learn more and to watch for construction updates, visit https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/.../household-hazardous-waste-facility/.
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City and county agencies practice emergency response policies
Several Sedgwick County departments and their community partners participated in two emergency exercises in October to test their response strategies and collaboration. Sedgwick County Emergency Management coordinated a simulated activation of the Emergency Operations Center (shown above), and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center staged an airport disaster with injuries (below). Both exercises involved extensive planning and execution. This training enhances teamwork among emergency crews and government officials at the local, state and federal levels, plus hospitals and other community groups, to ensure they are well-prepared for real emergencies.
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Health Educators honored for providing free classes
Oct. 21-25 was National Health Education Week, recognizing the importance of teaching healthy habits and preventive care to people of all ages. Watch the video above to learn about the many free classes offered by the Sedgwick County Health Department.
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County employees awarded and rewarded for service and values
With more than 2,900 employees in 40+ departments, Sedgwick County's workforce provides vital services to residents year-round. In gratitude and appreciation for their hard work, the County honored staff at an Employee Recognition Ceremony at Intrust Bank Arena (shown above) and treated them to a free day at the Sedgwick County Zoo (below) with their families!
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Out and About with Commissioners | |
The 45th Annual Kansas Economic Outlook Conference brought together city and county elected officials and business leaders. Sedgwick County Commission Chair Ryan Baty moderated a panel discussion that featured Sheriff Jeff Easter. | |
City and county leaders cut the ribbon on the new Wichita Northwest Water Facility, a state-of-the-art treatment plant that will supply 120 million gallons of drinking water per day for several local communities in Sedgwick County. | |
Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
