>At least in my state, there are ID numbers on the ballots that can be traced back, I presume. This is how they can identify "dead people" voting, for example, AFAIK, in a genuine criminal voting scandal investigation.

I voted absentee this year, since I was at the Milwaukee conference on election day. When I turned in my ballot, it was placed in an envelope with my name on it which I was then asked to seal and sign. So much for anonymity. The funny thing is they never asked me for any identification, although to be fair they may have checked my signature on the "Why Do You Want to Vote Absentee" form against the one one my voter registration record. At least I hope so.