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In a secure operation, only a few people would have access to important passwords (like bios). Now, everybody has access to those passwords. The list of people who could be suspected of tampering with a ballot machine goes from documented individuals with a need-to-know to... everybody. And there would be lots of people with legitimate reason to handle a ballot machine who would not have legitimate reason to know those passwords. Lots of people handle ballot machines!
We know how to secure systems in this country, we do it all the time. If these passwords belonged to drones being used in Ukraine, the officer in charge wouldn't say, well, mistakes happen, but five day delays are normal, we shouldn't worry about Russia hacking into our systems, etc. etc.
Yes, and in the event one of those "documented individuals" was planning something of dubious legality, "accidentally" releasing that data would be a clever way to muddy the waters for any future audit or investigation. "I swear, it could've been anyone your honor."
Oops, I've strayed into conspiracy minded Republican territory again.
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