JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland says Florida’s election system stands apart from the rest of the country — and the numbers back him up.
In a wide-ranging interview, Holland addressed claims from President Donald Trump that America’s election system is “vulnerable and broken,” pushing back on that characterization — at least when it comes to Florida.
“In Florida, it’s not,” Holland said. “We have the platinum standard for elections, and we really are doing many of the things that he was suggesting or asking to have done in the other states.”
Security behind the ballots
One of the most common concerns among voters is whether voting machines are connected to the internet — and therefore vulnerable to hackers.
Holland was direct: Florida’s equipment is not.
“We’re not connected to the internet. We have a standalone system,” he said, adding that when results are transmitted, it’s done over an encrypted private network.
Holland also noted that every ballot cast in Florida is on paper, which allows for post-election audits and adds another layer of confidence to results. He explained that no county in Florida can independently choose its own equipment — all machines must be certified by the Division of Elections in Tallahassee.
Watching the rolls
Maintaining accurate voter rolls is another key piece of election integrity. Holland says his office works year-round to keep registrations current.
“We’ll do it by vital statistics, removing those who are deceased, getting information from the courthouse, those who’ve committed felonies, and also information from the state of those who are not U.S. citizens,” he said.
When ineligible voters are identified, Holland says the process includes notifying them and giving them due process before removal. Cases involving non-citizens who have voted are referred to the state’s Operation of Election Security for potential prosecution.
Confidence — not fear — at the polls
Holland acknowledged that the current political climate has put his office and poll workers on high alert. But rather than pointing fingers, he says the attention creates an opportunity.
“It gives us the opportunity here in the state of Florida and Duval County to gain that confidence,” Holland said — noting that 80 countries have visited Duval County alone to observe how Florida conducts elections.
Want to hear Holland’s full take on voter intimidation at the polls, election night results and how Florida compares to states that don’t finish counting for days — or even weeks? Watch the full interview above.