The integrity of the 2020 election has been a subject of intense scrutiny, with many Americans voicing concerns about fraudulent activities. As experts delve deeper into the intricacies of election systems, a startling revelation has come to light – the existence of a nationwide cellular network that connects election equipment and grants the federal government access to election systems at the precinct level. This hidden connection has raised questions about the manipulation of election results and the potential vulnerabilities in the electoral process.
The Birth of FirstNet: A Network for Public Safety
The inception of the nationwide cellular network, known as FirstNet, can be traced back to the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The congested cell networks during the crisis highlighted the need for a dedicated network to ensure seamless communication for first responders. In 2012, Congress established the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) under the Department of Commerce to oversee the development of this network.
Originally intended for police, fire, and emergency medical services, the scope of FirstNet expanded to encompass critical infrastructure, such as water, energy, and transportation systems. However, a significant turning point occurred just days before former President Barack Obama left office. The Department of Homeland Security, capitalizing on concerns about “Russian interference” in the 2016 election, designated election systems as part of the critical infrastructure. This decision paved the way for the integration of election systems into the FirstNet network.
FirstNet’s Evolution: From Separate Network to Nationwide Coverage
The initial plan for FirstNet involved the creation of a separate network with nationwide coverage, utilizing a dedicated cellular band known as Band 14. However, the implementation of this separate network proved to be slow and expensive, with limited coverage in certain areas and some states left without service. To expedite the process and achieve nationwide coverage before the 2020 election, AT&T, the network provider, offered “preemption services” on its entire cellular network to FirstNet customers.
This move allowed FirstNet service to expand rapidly, covering a significant portion of the population and voting locations across the country. Electronic poll pads, election management systems, and tabulators with internet connectivity could now be connected to the FirstNet network, regardless of the availability or quality of local wired internet service.
The Push for FirstNet Adoption in Election Systems
While the availability of the FirstNet cellular network for election systems presented opportunities, not all local jurisdictions were quick to adopt this technology. However, efforts were made to encourage widespread adoption. At an Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Board of Advisers meeting in April 2019, discussions centered around leveraging the EAC’s influence to encourage election jurisdictions nationwide to connect to FirstNet.
The EAC Board of Advisers, responsible for setting standards and guidelines for election systems, recognized the need to prepare for potential national disasters during presidential elections. The idea of using FirstNet as the internet connection at polling places gained traction during this meeting. Although the board lacked the authority to enforce FirstNet adoption, it vowed to leverage its connections in the federal government to promote the use of FirstNet for election systems.
Evidence of FirstNet Integration in Local Jurisdictions
Concrete evidence of FirstNet integration in election systems emerged, shedding light on the extent of its adoption. For instance, Dallas County in Texas revealed an official network diagram showcasing the connection between electronic pollbooks, tabulators, and a cellular network. This diagram demonstrated a two-way connection between the polling place router and the cellular network, ultimately linked to a central county data center.
In another instance, citizen researchers in St. Johns County, Florida, documented the active Wi-Fi networks at polling locations. They discovered a single cellular network, named “LetTheDogOut!,” serving all 15 voting locations during the 2022 midterms. This finding suggests that St. Johns County utilized a similar priority network setup as Dallas County, with service being part of the nationwide “public safety” network.
The Secrecy and Vulnerability of FirstNet
Despite the significance of FirstNet in the election process, obtaining comprehensive information about the network remains challenging. FirstNet, funded by taxpayers and considered a tool for public safety, falls under the umbrella of public-private partnerships that are immune to public records requests. Moreover, FirstNet enjoys exemption from congressional oversight, as highlighted by Senator Ron Wyden’s concerns about its security and vulnerability to hacking.
The lack of transparency surrounding FirstNet is alarming. While AT&T conducted cybersecurity audits of the network, the results remain undisclosed due to non-disclosure provisions in the contract with the Department of Commerce. Consequently, the public remains unaware of the details of these audits and whether any identified deficiencies were addressed.
The Infrastructure for Election Manipulation
The discovery of the nationwide FirstNet cellular network raises questions about its potential misuse and the implications for election integrity. Dr. Bernardin’s network diagram illustrates how FirstNet could be exploited to interfere with election infrastructure. By establishing a two-way connection between election equipment and the FirstNet network, real-time data passing through the equipment becomes susceptible to monitoring and manipulation. This clandestine configuration allows for the fabrication of election results without detection.
The involvement of the federal government, private companies, and partisan interests in the deployment and integration of FirstNet into the election process raises concerns about the potential for election manipulation. The evident coziness between AT&T and the government, as seen in their history of collaborating on surveillance operations, further fuels suspicions about the integrity of the electoral process. Moreover, the unexplained explosion that destroyed an AT&T data center in Nashville on Christmas Day 2020 adds to the intrigue surrounding FirstNet’s role in election interference.
Challenging the Status Quo: Seeking Truth Amidst Misinformation
The revelation of the nationwide cellular network connecting election equipment and providing the federal government access to precinct-level election systems disrupts the narrative around the integrity of the 2020 election. As Americans demand transparency and accountability, it becomes crucial to challenge the status quo and seek the truth amidst the sea of misinformation.
The findings of Anderson and Bernardin’s research project shed light on a hidden connection that has the potential to undermine the democratic process. It is imperative to address the vulnerabilities inherent in the integration of FirstNet into election systems and ensure that the integrity of future elections is safeguarded. Only by confronting the realities of our electoral infrastructure can we strive for a more transparent and trustworthy democratic system.