Take it seriously

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Maybe it's just a hoax, or a ploy to gain attention, but state Republican leaders are wise to take the threat of caucus night computer hacking seriously.

A video surfaced this week claiming to be created by “Anonymous,” a loose network of computer hackers, calling on activists to “peacefully shut down the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses.” The authenticity of both the video and its threat are both questionable.

But state Republicans are taking no chances. With so much at stake on Jan. 3, and with the world watching, a hacking incident disrupting precinct results would be no harmless prank.

On caucus night, votes collected at precincts are sent on to state GOP officials who tabulate them electronically and post them online. Most precincts collect and count votes cast on paper, which is one basic defense against an electronic disruption. The party is taking other steps to secure the process.

Hoax or no hoax, the threat's objective is puzzling. The video complains about the nation's political system, but we fail to see how shutting down the caucuses and denying Iowans a chance to participate in that process would make it any more responsive or democratic. It would actually do exactly the opposite, muting the voice of thousands to advance a political agenda pushed from the shadows by a few. All Iowans, regardless of party, should reject these tactics.

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