The question of trust hangs over our elections. Research indicates that while a majority of Americans believe votes are counted accurately, a significant number do not — including nearly a third of Washingtonians. Free and fair elections are the bedrock of our democracy, and if elections aren’t trusted, it is at risk.
As an election official, reassuring voters’ confidence in our system is the most important part of my job. Trust comes from knowledge and understanding. I, along with election officials across the country, truly are committed to transparency and openness that builds trust in what we do. We want all voters to know why they can be sure that their vote counts.
I’ve been an election official for over 25 years. We face greater challenges to maintaining trust than ever before, including sharply polarized politics, online rumors and declining trust in institutions. In my experience, however, mistrust of elections stems from an understandable lack of knowledge about who election officials are and what we do to run elections fairly and securely.
Many people assume elections are overseen by far-off people in D.C. or state capitals. This is not true. In fact, there are over 10,000 officials throughout the country that oversee elections in the communities where they live. We know our counties and towns, and we do this work because we care about everyone having a fair say.
As election officials, we want to be visible to our communities and help voters understand our work — particularly those who have concerns about elections. This year, election officials are emphasizing our code of conduct and highlighting the values that guide our work, regardless of state or region. I have confidence in our elections nationwide because I know officials around the country follow the same standards of integrity, transparency and impartiality that we do.
In Thurston County, we go out of our way to engage with election skeptics and provide everyone with the information they need to feel confident their vote counts. We put a full-page ad in our voter guide, which goes to every household in the county, calling for election observers. We wanted everyone to know they were welcome to see our processes. About half of those who came were skeptical, and we stayed as long as needed to answer their questions. By the end, some changed their minds. But I’m also happy that those who didn’t were willing to listen and come away with a better understanding of what we do.
I speak at community events, and events hosted by both political parties, to hear from voters and ensure they understand we are fair and nonpartisan. We also provide tours of our facilities to anyone who asks, allowing people with concerns to see behind the scenes and understand our processes firsthand.
Finally, I’m proud that we’ve even recruited election skeptics as workers and observers. That’s my biggest takeaway message for those with concerns about elections: Come work with us, be part of the process and see what goes on for yourself.
You often hear that people who are skeptical of elections can’t be won over. Maybe that’s true sometimes, but in my experience many more simply have valid questions and haven’t had a chance to learn how we work. I respect those with questions about elections who bring their concerns to us and engage thoughtfully with our response.
The greatest strength of the U.S. election system is that elections are run by people close to every community, who care deeply about ensuring elections reflect the will of voters. Regardless of our region, state, or county, election officials follow ironclad ethical principles and are committed to trust and transparency. If you have concerns about elections, reach out to your local election official and hear from the source. Our ultimate goal is for you to have the same confidence your vote counts that we do.
