Should There be National Concern about Voting Machine Irregularities Before the 2026 Election?

Absolutely, yes. Understandably, many people are concerned about irregularities or vulnerabilities in voting machines as we approach the 2026 U.S. elections. There are several ongoing issues and risks—some are being addressed, while others still require attention. I’ll share my thoughts about what I researched and found, discuss the risks, outline the steps being taken, and highlight what still needs our attention. 

Current Status of State Voting Machines

1. Aging Equipment

·      Many voting machines in the U.S. are old — often over 10 years old, in some cases even older — and have surpassed their expected lifespan. Older machines tend to be more difficult to maintain (spare parts may no longer be available), more prone to breakdowns, and often run outdated software that may not receive security updates. ([Brennan Center for Justice][1])

2. Security Vulnerabilities & Software Threats

·      There have been documented reports of attempts to access copies of voting system software illegally. A letter from computer scientists expressed concerns that these breaches could pose significant risks to election security. ([Colorado Public Radio][2]) 

·      Some machines come equipped with features such as wireless connectivity or older, unsupported operating systems. While these can offer convenience, they may also increase the risk of security vulnerabilities. ([Brennan Center for Justice][3]) 

·      Even when vulnerabilities are identified, such as with Dominion systems, investigations—including those by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)—have not uncovered any evidence that these flaws were exploited in significant national elections in the past. However, their presence still highlights a potential risk. ([The Washington Post][4])

3. Human Error & Operational Issues

·      Sometimes irregularities are less about malicious hacking and more about mechanical failures, calibration errors (e.g., touchscreens mis-registering selections), mis-scanning, delays, or mismanagement. These may not change outcomes, but can harm confidence and create logistical headaches. ([Brennan Center for Justice][3]) 

4. Disinformation & Trust Erosion

·      Even if there's no clear evidence of large-scale manipulation, it's important to acknowledge that suspicion, claims of fraud, and distrust can still be quite significant. Sometimes, even small irregularities can be amplified through social media and political discussions, making them appear more significant than they actually are. ([AP News][5])

What Is Being Done?

·      Some jurisdictions are replacing obsolete machines or planning upgrades. ([Brennan Center for Justice][6])

·      There are calls from experts to mandate more uniform security standards, require post-election audits, improve paper trail verifiability, etc. ([Center for American Progress][7])

·      There is increased scrutiny by federal agencies (like CISA) and state/local election officials for vulnerabilities and risk mitigation. ([Brennan Center for Justice][8])

All are dependent on who is holding the power in the current government.

What Are the Risks? What Remains to Be Solved?

1. Funding & resources

·      Upgrading machines and putting in stronger security and audit systems does require some investment. Often, local jurisdictions struggle to allocate sufficient funds for these improvements. Additionally, there's sometimes confusion about whether the state, federal government, or local authorities should cover the costs. ([Brennan Center for Justice][9]) 

2. Uniform standards and oversight

·      Security and audit protocols can vary significantly from state to state and county to county. Some areas might not have robust post-election auditing or transparency measures in place. ([Brennan Center for Justice][6])

3. Maintaining the Voters’ Trust

·      Even if machines are technically secure, it's important to remember that public perception truly matters. Minor errors, glitches, or delays in counting can create doubts, especially in close races. That's why staying transparent and dependable is so essential.

4. Emerging Threats

·      As technology continues to evolve, so does our vulnerability. Concerns include machine learning, supply chain attacks, and insider threats. Exciting new research, such as the application of adversarial machine learning to tabulators, highlights how even minor vulnerabilities can, under specific circumstances, significantly impact outcomes. ([arXiv][10])

Ensuring the integrity of election results is vital to supporting our democracy. Even infrequent failures or irregularities can have significant political and social consequences, especially in closely contested states. Being proactive and prepared can save us from much higher costs later on when issues arise. Keeping voter confidence strong is essential; even small irregularities or the perception of them can discourage voting or lead to distrust in the process.

[1]: https://www.brennancenter.org/issues/defend-our-elections/election-security/voting-machines-infrastructure"Voting Machines & Infrastructure | Brennan Center for Justice"

[2]: https://www.cpr.org/2023/12/05/voting-experts-warn-of-serious-threats-for-2024-from-election-equipment-software-breaches "Voting experts warn of 'serious threats' for 2024 from election equipment software breaches"

[3]: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/americas-voting-machines-risk "America’s Voting Machines at Risk | Brennan Center for Justice"

[4]: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/05/28/dominion-voting-machines-cisa-review "No evidence of exploitation of Dominion voting machine flaws, CISA finds - The Washington Post"

[5]: https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-technology-d6bf92f594343d7a489d40394e56e2a1"EXPLAINER: Threats to US election security grow more complex | AP News"

[6]: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/americas-voting-machines-risk-update "America’s Voting Machines at Risk – An Update | Brennan Center for Justice"

[7]: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/election-infrastructure-vulnerabilities-solutions "Election Infrastructure: Vulnerabilities and Solutions - Center for American Progress"

[8]: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/voting-system-security-and-reliability-risks "Voting System Security and Reliability Risks | Brennan Center for Justice"

[9]: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/voting-machines-risk-2022 "Voting Machines at Risk in 2022 | Brennan Center for Justice"

[10]: https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.14582 "Busting the Paper Ballot: Voting Meets Adversarial Machine Learning"

Here’s a clear and detailed risk assessment for voting-machine irregularities as we approach the 2026 election. This highlights what’s likely, considers worst-case scenarios, identifies the principal vulnerabilities with examples, evaluates their seriousness, and offers practical priorities to minimize risks. I’ve included the key sources supporting these critical points.

While it's essential to stay aware of national issues, the most significant problems tend to be minor glitches, delays, and incidents that can erode trust, rather than central nationwide manipulation. The country has made considerable progress over the past decade, with more than 98% of votes now recorded on paper, though some hurdles persist. These include aging equipment, inconsistent audit standards, limited funding, and the ongoing challenge of disinformation. Additionally, there's concern about the current administration seemingly using the Judicial Branch for its own purposes.

Keep in mind, your vote truly matters. It’s your chance to have a say in shaping your community, your state, and your country. Remember all those who fought, marched, and sacrificed so we could have this right. If long lines, doubts, or distractions come up, don’t let them stop you—your participation makes a difference. When you step into that voting booth, know that you’re not just voting for yourself, but for a better future for everyone. Your vote counts, and your voice is so important!

The Role of the Church in Young Black Men’s Lives!

    Many churches have noticed a decline in attendance among young Black men (roughly 16–24), and the reasons are layered — some cultural, some institutional, and some generational. Here are some key factors often cited in research, surveys, and community discussions:

1. Generational Shift in Faith & Spirituality

·      Nationally, younger generations across all races are less likely to attend church than their parents. The rise of the “nones” (those with no religious affiliation) is most substantial among Gen Z and Millennials. 

·      Many young Black men say they still believe in God, but they view spirituality as personal, not tied to church structures. 

2. Relevance & Representation

·      Some feel churches don’t address their daily realities: systemic racism, police encounters, unemployment, mental health, and identity struggles. 

·      They may see sermons focused on tradition, morality, or politics instead of guidance for navigating the challenges they face as young Black men. 

3. Masculinity & Church Culture

·      Church spaces in some traditions are perceived as more welcoming to women, children, and elders, but not to young men.

·      Some young men say they don’t see strong male mentorship or leadership that resonates with them, or they feel the church expects a kind of vulnerability they aren’t comfortable with.

4. Distrust of Institutions

·      Broader distrust of institutions (government, schools, even religious organizations) runs deep.

·      Scandals, church politics, or leaders seen as disconnected from the community can discourage engagement.

·      Some also perceive churches as too tied to money or as judgmental rather than supportive.

5. Competition for Time & Identity

·      Sports, jobs, school, and social media occupy a significant portion of their lives. Sundays are often workdays for those in hourly jobs.

·      Online communities, music, and peer groups often provide a sense of belonging that churches once offered.

·      Some associate the church with their parents’ or grandparents’ generation and see it as old-fashioned or restrictive.

6. Unanswered Questions & Doubt

·      Young people often wrestle with questions about justice, suffering, race, gender, and sexuality.

·      If their doubts are dismissed rather than engaged, they may walk away.

·      For Black young men in particular, unanswered questions about racism and God’s role in their struggles can create distance.

7. Alternative Sources of Purpose.

·      Social justice movements, community groups, or even online platforms sometimes fill the role of giving meaning and mission. 

·      Instead of seeing the church as the primary site of community leadership (as in past generations), they look elsewhere. 

But it’s not all in decline.

Many churches have created authentic mentorship programs, job pipelines, safe spaces for men to discuss their concerns, youth-centered worship styles, and relevant discussions on race, justice, and identity. Young Black men do show up — and stay.

Here are a few examples of what’s working.

1. The Brotherhood at The Potter’s House (Dallas, TX – Bishop T.D. Jakes)

·      Offers male-focused mentoring, life skills workshops, and brotherhood groups.

·      Connects biblical teachings with real-world issues such as employment, leadership, and relationships.

·      Uses conferences and media that appeal to younger men through music, culture, and honest conversation.

2. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (Stonecrest, GA – Pastor Jamal Bryant)

·      Runs programs addressing incarceration, job training, and reentry — speaking directly to the struggles of young Black men.

·      Youth events often blend hip-hop culture, social justice activism, and spiritual teaching.

·      Creates spaces where young men see leaders who look like them and talk about their lived experiences. 

3. The Men’s Ministry at Alfred Street Baptist Church (Alexandria, VA)

·      Offers mentorship, college scholarships, and networking for young Black men.

·      Partners with HBCUs and community organizations to prepare high school and college-aged men for leadership.

·      Uses forums where young men can ask raw questions about faith, race, and manhood without judgment.

4. Impact Church (Atlanta, GA – Olu Brown, founder)

·      Known for attracting Millennials and Gen Z with innovative worship styles, modern music, and tech-driven services.

·      Places emphasis on mental health, entrepreneurship, and service projects — issues young Black men care about.

·      Welcomes men into leadership early rather than asking them to “wait until they’re older.”

5. Young Men’s Ministry at Abyssinian Baptist Church (Harlem, NY)

·      A historic church that ties faith directly to Black empowerment and activism.

·      Runs mentoring programs and workshops on education, career, and personal development.

·      Uses the church’s history of social justice to connect young Black men with a larger mission.

6. The Manhood Development Program (Oakland, CA – linked with schools & churches).

·      Though school-based, it’s heavily church-supported.

·      Helps young Black men learn about history, leadership, and brotherhood in a safe and affirming space.

·      Participants have shown reduced dropout rates and stronger academic performance.

7. Hip-Hop Ministries & Urban Church Plants.

·      Some churches utilize hip-hop culture, spoken word, and graffiti art as forms of worship.

·      These ministries resonate deeply with young men who feel traditional church culture doesn’t reflect them.

·      They also tackle real-world issues, including police brutality, fatherhood, financial literacy, and identity.

Common denominators with these and your churches are:

·      Mentorship & Brotherhood: Older men intentionally guiding younger ones.

·      Relevance: Tackling issues of race, economics, justice, and manhood directly.

·      Cultural Connection: Using music, style, and language that reflect young men’s worlds.

·      Practical Help: Job pipelines, scholarships, mental health resources, reentry support.

·      Leadership Opportunities: Not just asking them to sit in the pews, but to lead projects, ministries, and conversations.

In short, where churches meet young Black men in their reality — not just in tradition — they show up.

As a community, it's worth considering if we are truly supporting our youth as best as we can. I sometimes feel like I could do more. I admit that I fall into stereotypes when I see them, and I don’t always take the time to understand what they’re going through. I can sense their frustration just from their gestures, tones, and looks. Sadly, I realize I’m not in the close-knit village of the past that played a part in raising each other’s children. 

When it comes to reaching young Black men (16–24), some church models are thriving, while others are struggling. Here’s what works vs. what fails:

Some Models Succeed, why?

1. Authentic Mentorship

·      Churches that intentionally pair young men with older brothers/fathers in the faith create bonds of trust.

·      These mentors walk with them through school, work, and personal struggles, not just “church stuff.”

Example: Churches’ scholarships & mentoring programs.

2. Relevance & Real Talk

·      They don’t shy away from tough topics: racism, police brutality, masculinity, mental health, sexuality, and money struggles.

·      They connect biblical principles to real life, rather than remaining abstract.

Example: Many churches focus on reentry programs for young men leaving incarceration.

3. Cultural Connection

·      They embrace hip-hop, spoken word, social media, and fashion, rather than condemning them.

·      Worship feels alive, not stuck in another era.

Example: A few churches are using hip-hop culture to attract young men.

4. Opportunities to Lead

·      They don’t tell young men, “wait until you’re older.” Instead, they let them plan events, lead discussions, play music, and run projects.

·      This gives ownership — not just attendance.

Example: Impact Church’s practice of giving Gen Z/ Z/Millennials leadership early.

5. Practical Support

·      Career workshops, job pipelines, scholarships, mental health counseling, and entrepreneurship training.

·      These help young men build futures, not just “get saved.”

Example: Brotherhood and Front Liners at churches with job/life skills programs.

6. Community & Brotherhood

·      They create spaces for male bonding without judgment.

·      Sports, retreats, barbershop talks, safe spaces to be vulnerable.

·      This builds trust and keeps them connected.

Why Some Models Fail

1. Overly Judgmental Atmosphere

·      Churches that hammer on sin without offering hope or solutions drive young men away.

·      Especially harmful when they feel singled out for how they dress, talk, or live.

2. Irrelevance to Daily Life

·      When sermons focus solely on tradition, prosperity, or abstract theology, young men tend to disconnect.

·      They want answers to their reality, not just rules.

3. Lack of Male Role Models

·      If they don’t see men their age or older leading, serving, and thriving in the church, they assume it’s not for them.

·      Many Black churches are majority female in participation and leadership roles (outside the pulpit), leaving young men feeling out of place.

4. Church Politics & Hypocrisy

·      When leaders compete for power, money, or reputation, young men may begin to view the church as just another flawed system, similar to others they are familiar with.

·      They crave authenticity, and hypocrisy is a dealbreaker.

5. Failure to Adapt to Culture

·      Refusing to embrace technology, social media, modern music, or new ways of worship creates a disconnect.

·      Gen Z lives online — if the church isn’t there, it becomes invisible to them.

6. No On-Ramp for Newcomers

·      Some churches expect young men to “show up and fall in line.”

·      Without intentional outreach, discipleship, or small groups, they slip out unnoticed.

The Bottom line is:

Many successful churches recognize young Black men as partners, not projects. They walk alongside them, empower them, and truly listen. On the other hand, churches that face challenges might overlook them, talk down to them, or hesitate to make necessary changes.