The query of belief hangs over our elections. Analysis signifies that whereas a majority of Individuals imagine votes are counted precisely, a big quantity do not — together with nearly a third of Washingtonians. Free and truthful elections are the bedrock of our democracy, and if elections aren’t trusted, it’s in danger.
As an election official, reassuring voters’ confidence in our system is an important a part of my job. Belief comes from data and understanding. I, together with election officers throughout the nation, really are dedicated to transparency and openness that builds belief in what we do. We would like all voters to know why they will ensure that their vote counts.
I’ve been an election official for over 25 years. We face higher challenges to sustaining belief than ever earlier than, together with sharply polarized politics, on-line rumors and declining trust in establishments. In my expertise, nevertheless, distrust of elections stems from an comprehensible lack of information about who election officers are and what we do to run elections pretty and securely.
Many individuals assume elections are overseen by far-off individuals in D.C. or state capitals. This isn’t true. The truth is, there are over 10,000 officers all through the nation that oversee elections within the communities the place they dwell. We all know our counties and cities, and we do that work as a result of we care about everybody having a good say.
As election officers, we wish to be seen to our communities and assist voters perceive our work — notably those that have considerations about elections. This yr, election officers are emphasizing our code of conduct and highlighting the values that information our work, no matter state or area. I’ve confidence in our elections nationwide as a result of I do know officers across the nation observe the identical requirements of integrity, transparency and impartiality that we do.
In Thurston County, we exit of our solution to have interaction with election skeptics and supply everybody with the knowledge they should really feel assured their vote counts. We put a full-page advert in our voter information, which matches to each family within the county, calling for election observers. We wished everybody to know they had been welcome to see our processes. About half of those that got here had been skeptical, and we stayed so long as wanted to reply their questions. By the tip, some modified their minds. However I’m additionally pleased that those that didn’t had been keen to hear and are available away with a greater understanding of what we do.
I converse at group occasions, and occasions hosted by each political events, to listen to from voters and guarantee they perceive we’re truthful and nonpartisan. We additionally present excursions of our services to anybody who asks, permitting individuals with considerations to see behind the scenes and perceive our processes firsthand.
Lastly, I’m proud that we’ve even recruited election skeptics as employees and observers. That’s my greatest takeaway message for these with considerations about elections: Come work with us, be a part of the method and see what goes on for your self.
You typically hear that people who find themselves skeptical of elections can’t be received over. Possibly that’s true generally, however in my expertise many extra merely have legitimate questions and haven’t had an opportunity to find out how we work. I respect these with questions on elections who carry their considerations to us and interact thoughtfully with our response.
The best power of the U.S. election system is that elections are run by individuals shut to each group, who care deeply about making certain elections replicate the need of voters. No matter our area, state, or county, election officers observe ironclad moral ideas and are dedicated to belief and transparency. If in case you have considerations about elections, attain out to your native election official and listen to from the supply. Our final aim is so that you can have the identical confidence your vote counts that we do.