John Oliver details voting machine concerns and dangers on Last Week Tonight

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver examined why voting machines don’t always work and how the U.S. can fix them.

With elections around the country scheduled for Nov. 5, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver focused on the topic of voting on Sunday night. But rather than discuss policies or campaign strategies, Jon Oliver instead investigated the problems surrounding voting machines.

The topic was another prime example of Last Week Tonight doing what it does best. Oliver and his writers approached the topic of voting from a unique angle. Others television shows and commentary have focused on gerrymandering and voter ID laws  . Oliver instead looked at the security of voting machines to explain why it should not be taken for granted.

Oliver was able to make the issue entertaining and informative. That is just another reason why Last Week Tonight continues to dominate the Emmy Awards and has become a true must-see television show regardless of what Oliver talks about during any given episode.

Watch as Oliver reminds his audience of how U.S. elections changed in the aftermath of the 2000 presidential election and then explains why voting machines are still a serious problem. Given everything that has happened in politics since 2016, Oliver’s segment is as timely and poignant as any other in recent Last Week Tonight history.

Oliver uncovers that many voting machines purchased back in 2007 are still in use today. These include those made in the Philippines and put through effectively zero levels of quality control. This has led to degrading touch screens and an increased risk of hackers gaining control of the voting machines.

He may have been making a joke of it but Oliver even acknowledges the educational value of Last Week Tonight. The comedian demonstrates how voting machines can be hacked in under two minutes and reveals that many are left unattended in the days leading up to an election. Oliver prays that Russia isn’t watching the show but hopefully the audience at home can do something with the lesson Oliver provides.

It is not often that John Oliver turns to President Donald Trump to back up what he’s saying. But that’s just how the segment on voting machine closes out as Oliver shows the President supporting paper backups for all votes. Oliver hopes that hammers home just how critical an issue voting machine security has become as Last Week Tonight delivers another lesson.