What I don't understand is why in the world the constitution was not followed and the ballots kept in the care of those originally defined as the ones to maintain the security of the ballots.
Ummmm...perhaps you'd like to quote that part of the Constitution to all us non constitutional scholars...?
I'll save you the search...no such clause.
Elections are in the hands of local governments and volunteers.
I have, in the past, put forth the notion that the Post Office should be in charge of elections. They would print, distribute, collect, and tally the votes. Your zip code would become your district.