We’ve highlighted the major themes present in all eight of their perspectives in a summary article, but each author’s full perspective piece can be seen below.
 

Stephanie Cox, County Clerk, Union County, Illinois

Union County, Illinois does it’s best to ensure the voting process is fair, accurate, and secure for all 12,068 voters in the county. We accomplish this in a manner of ways.  

The fair process begins with voter registration and ensuring the counties voter registration system is current, with either new, deceased, or moved voters being added, cancelled or corrected. The county clerk’s voter registration software is continually connected with the Illinois Voters Registration System (IVRS); therefore, when an individual registers, makes a change of address, or modification of any kind, whether in the county clerk’s office, at the Illinois Secretary of State’s DMV or website, or via the Illinois State Board of Elections website, my office is notified of the registration or change to the voter’s record.  My office will review each occurrence for accuracy before accepting the voter or voters change in record. The Union County clerk’s office reviews death notices daily in order to keep our voter registration system current by marking the voter as deceased. Due to our county being a smaller populated county, we find these processes to work quite well.  

The next step in conducting our fair, accurate, and secure approach is the selection of election judges. The Union County clerk selects election judges that fit the qualifications put forth by the Illinois State Board of Elections. They must (1) be a U.S. citizen, (2) be an active registered voter in Union County (minimum of 18 years old), (3) be of good character and not subject to the registration requirement of the Sex Offender Registration Act, (4) not be a candidate for any office in the election and not be a precinct committeeperson, (5) fluent in the English language, (6) be skilled in the fundamental rules of mathematics, (7) must be able to hear clearly (whether naturally or by use of a device) (8) must review the Election Judge Manual (for experience judges) and must receive video training (for new judges) prior to Election Day, (9) must have reliable transportation to get to their assigned polling place by the assigned time, (10) must be able to work the entire day on Election Day (no leaving the facility is permitted), (11) must be willing to rotate positions throughout the day, and (12) must not have any physical restriction preventing him/her from performing all duties assigned.

Our office attempts to place election judges at the precinct they live in, due to them being more apt to know the voters in their own precincts. We are required to have at least one judge from each political party at each precinct, for which we comply. Union County also does not like to move election judges from their regular precincts, unless absolutely necessary. This process along with the voter providing his/her voter registration card, helps to eliminate voter fraud by impersonation.  Since we are not a state that requires proof of identity by showing any form of photo identification, the responsibility falls on the election judge. This is quite a burden to carry for a judge, but with training provided by the Illinois State Board of Elections, he/she is well prepared to circumvent any threat that may arrive. It is also established that the Union County sheriff, deputy sheriff, and I will travel the circuit on election day to give support to all polling places. Each polling place also has a means of contacting my office, the sheriff or myself directly, if a situation would arise.

You might ask, how do you know the voter is the same as the individual on the VR Card? Well, that is a good question. The election authority is required, every two years – odd number years, to produce what is called a “voter registration purge” of the system being used. This process requires the office to mail out VR cards to all registered voters in the county and ask that the voter review the card for accuracy. If there are discrepancies, then the voter is requested to submit the corrections to the election authority for updates to be made. Once this is completed, a new card will be mailed to the voter with the corrections made. This is the card the voter will use on election day.

For voters not able to make it to the polling places on election day, the Vote by Mail (VBM) process is offered. This is a process that has basically replaced absentee voting. VBM allows any and all registered voters to request a permanent VBM ballot or a one-time VBM ballot. Before each election, the election authority for each county, is required, by the ISBE, to provide an application allowing registered voters to VBM. There are deadlines the county authority has to follow in providing this to the voters, of which appear to be lenient timeframes. We must provide this in time for all voters to have the opportunity to vote in each election, if they so choose. Therefore, these deadlines are needed and I personally appreciate ISBE in providing these timeframes in a calendar format for each election.  This helps eliminate any confusion or discrepancy in the process. Once the applications are received in our office, the voter registration system is marked in the manner requested by the voter, in order for the voter to either receive a mailed ballot or to vote at the polling place. These VBM ballots must be returned to our office (the election authority) within 14 days of the election day. The return envelope must be postmarked no later than the day of the election. These ballots may be surrendered to my office in person by election day. My office will then open the ballot with two election judges (one from each party), and process these ballots in the tabulator machine which will remain locked and secure until the election day process. No reports are run until election night, to know what the vote is.

The State of Illinois also allows early voting (EV) which we take advantage of by have one polling place, my office. Early voting can begin no earlier than 41 days prior to election day, which made it February 5, 2026 for this General Primary Election. Union County staffs the EV site with one trained election judge from each political party. The individual will be able to vote in a private room and place their ballot in the tabulator machine (separate from the VBM ballots). This machine is handled in the same manner as the VBM ballots and remains locked and secure until election day processing occurs. Again, no reports are run from this machine until election night.

Regarding public safety, each polling place is monitored by the election authority to verify safety for the voters on election day. Each polling place has the opportunity to apply for a grant each year to modify their facility for ADA compliance. The grant is administered through ISBE via each county clerk’s office or county election authority’s office. Our county has 14 polling places and we have had several apply to the grant and be awarded funds to remodel facilities, make ramps for the disabled, replace doors with ADA approved styles, and update parking lots to meet ADA compliance.  

I was appointed to the position of Union County clerk/recorder on March 28, 2025, when my predecessor resigned after serving since December 2018. I came to this post with 26 years of banking experience from a local bank. I was the Compliance and Bank Secrecy Act officer for the past 13 years; therefore, was familiar with laws/statutes and how to comply with them. I was eager to give back to my community that had supported me for many years in the bank. I knew land records but not so much about elections. Thankfully, the ISBE and other county election authorities are so willing to help make a new member learn so much very quickly. I have compared the election process in Union County with counties of a similar size against their processes and we are very similar in nature. I have no doubt that the counties I am familiar with, including Union County, are run with complete fairness and accuracy.

I do feel that the process of Vote by Mail being pushed on residents of Illinois, or any state, would be a disgrace to the election process.  Mailing a ballot to all registered voters, including the ones that do not want it, would be a hazard to the fairness already established in most, if not all, counties/states.

Cassidy Flynn, Deputy City Clerk, Newton, Massachusetts

Strong collaboration between the city clerk and the city/town manager is also essential to a fair and well-run process. Regular communication throughout the year, not just during election season, allows for shared planning around staffing, budgeting, facilities, and legal or procedural updates. City/town managers can support the clerk by coordinating interdepartmental resources, ensuring adequate funding and staffing, and aligning policies related to public buildings, accessibility, and communications. By working together on preparedness, public messaging, and problem-solving, clerks and managers help ensure that election processes are lawful, transparent, secure, and trusted by the community.

As a city clerk, ensuring a fair process starts with strict adherence to state law and established procedures governing elections. The clerk serves as the municipality’s chief election official and is responsible for administering voter registration, nomination papers, ballots, and certification of results in a neutral and transparent manner. Fairness is reinforced through clear, written procedures; consistent training for staff and poll workers; and careful documentation of every step in the process. Providing timely, accurate public information and complying with open meeting law requirements further supports transparency and public confidence, while standardized practices help ensure that all candidates, voters, and stakeholders are treated equally. 

To ensure researching locations and related election activities are secure, best practice is for the clerk to coordinate early. The city clerk needs to make sure that all of the polling locations are ADA compliant. There are regulations from the state on what is required at the location. Advance noticing of notices for moving polling locations will allow all parties to review locations, and anticipated needs for the location. It is important that you involve stakeholders early in this process, this includes residents, police, the public buildings department, the election commission, and the city council. Polling locations are a vital part of any community, and that importance must be carefully weighed when considering whether to merge or relocate them. In Massachusetts, the expansion of vote by mail has fundamentally changed how elections are conducted and, in turn, the demand for in-person polling locations. This is prompting discussion about whether consolidating polling locations could reduce costs and simplify logistics. This is a complex and consequential issue, and one where the city clerk would benefit from active collaboration and support from the city/town manager.

Sarah Heinle, Finance Director, Auditor, Treasurer, Superintendent of Schools, and County Election Official, Cass County, North Dakota

I believe the best way to achieve a fair election process is to ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to vote. We may never reach 100% participation in the election process but, it is definitely a goal to strive for. Our most important duty is to make voting as accessible as possible.  

To make this happen we need to do our best to meet people where they are and provide them with a secure environment in which to cast that vote. Casting a ballot on only one day and at only one time frame may prove challenging for some. Vote-by-mail allows homebound, mobility challenged, elderly, and any individual who wishes, to vote in the comfort of their own home or care location. Having various hours, locations, and days to vote to meet people's various schedules, locations, and lifestyles is essential. Early in person voting in addition to election day voting gives individuals the ability to vote at the place and time that best suits them. These additional options provide the additional flexibility that is needed to provide access for all. 

The election process is long and involved. Most only see the events of election day but, it starts long before that. Elections don't happen in a day. Months of planning and preparation have gone into this process. Including but not limited to updating procedures, training election workers, testing equipment, packing and delivering supplies, and educating the public on their voting options.

Coordination with the community as a whole is essential. Working with the public, other county offices, and state offices is a must. The demands of elections require more than just the work of one office but involves reaching out for assistance. That may include your State's Attorney to interpret new law, your communications coordinator to get the word out, other offices for manpower, and your administration to supporting the work we do in every way.  

In North Dakota everyone works as a team to make elections happen. The state offers overall training and direction, and all counties help each other to ensure the smoothest and most accessible election possible within the resource constraints we all face. We look to our community as well to make this happen. Without their support elections would not happen. Local Citizens stepping forward to work the poles provide a safe and neutral environment.  

Like every area we have our issues but, we are lucky to live where we do in the eclectic and ever evolving environment of Cass County. 

Jessica Hodek, County Clerk, Barron County, Wisconsin

As county clerk, ensuring transparency throughout the electoral process remains my highest priority. The administration of elections at the county level is governed by state statutes, which provide a clear and structured framework for conducting elections. My office is committed to adhering strictly to those statutes as written, and I hold the same expectation for all of the municipal clerks in Barron County. Consistent application of the law is essential to maintaining uniformity, fairness, and public confidence in our elections.

Established procedures guide both county and municipal clerks in the administration and reconciliation of elections. These procedures outline each step of the process, from programming contests and candidates for ballots, ballot handling and post-election reconciliation. For example, our office ensures timely publication of election results on the county website, and follows reconciliation protocols to verify the accuracy of reported results. Each measure is designed to safeguard integrity and reinforce accountability.

Clear standards and expectations are set by the Wisconsin elections commission and also expected by the citizens we serve. Meeting and exceeding those expectations requires diligence, transparency, and open communication. I take pride in maintaining an open-door policy and welcome voters who have questions about the electoral process in our county. If a question arises that requires additional clarification, my office relies on verified statutory guidance and official sources to provide accurate information.

Strong, well-run election offices help build trust in government. Election officials should be properly trained and follow clear ethical guidelines. Having consistent procedures and clear instructions in place helps keep the process organized, fair, and reliable from start to finish.

Using technology the right way can also strengthen election integrity. Tools like online voter registration and secure systems for reporting results can make the process faster and more accurate—especially when backed by solid cybersecurity protections and audits.  

Over the years, I have built strong partnerships across our county offices that play an important role on election night. Our IT department works closely with my office to ensure election results are published accurately and efficiently on the county website as they come in rather than waiting to post all of my results at the end of the night. The county administrator, register of deeds, treasurer, and even a retired county clerk volunteer their time to assist with collecting and organizing results reported by our municipalities. Their support helps ensure the reporting process runs smoothly. 

The sheriff’s department also contributes by escorting county staff to their vehicles after results have been reported and reconciled, adding an extra layer of security at the close of a long evening. Our building’s maintenance staff also plays an important supporting role during elections. They assist our office by transporting election supply shipments to secure storage areas, allowing materials to be moved efficiently in a single trip rather than multiple trips. This coordination not only enhances security but also helps minimize the amount of time my staff is away from the office during critical periods. These partnerships across county departments are vital to my commitment to election transparency. They not only strengthen the integrity of the process but also encourage a sense of shared responsibility and engagement among county staff in supporting fair and accurate elections.

In today’s digital environment, where information spreads rapidly through social media and other platforms, access to accurate information is more important than ever. My goal is to serve as a reliable and accessible resource for our county’s voters, ensuring that correct information is shared with the public and minimizing confusion. By prioritizing transparency and community engagement, our office works to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and strengthen public trust in our elections. 

Kathleen M. Montejo, City Clerk and Registrar of Voters, Lewiston, Maine

How do you work to ensure a fair process?

Local election administrators work diligently to ensure the election process is fair and transparent for the community we serve. We need the voters to have trust in the system and the results. Integrity in the process is paramount. We build that trust by ensuring that we follow the state laws and rules regarding the election process. If we deviate from the state regulations, problems can arise. Always following the state statutes means the Secretary of State’s Office can back us up at the local level where we implement the elections. Election preparations begin as early as six months in advance for a presidential election. We have developed detailed checklists over the years for the various types of elections—presidential, mayoral, school budget, etc.

A key part is communication with all participants—voters, candidates, media. My philosophy has always been that “more is better” when it comes to explaining the procedures. I am sure I overshare information regarding the process at times but I would rather have voters receive more than they would want to know about election operations. We welcome and encourage residents to work at the polls as election clerks. Working at the polls and helping to process absentee ballots is always eye-opening for new workers. They always seem to say: “I had no idea all of the extra steps and safeguards that are in place; I had no idea everything that is involved behind-the-scenes.” By law, we are required to hire an equal number of registered voters from the two major parties to work the polls. We remind the voters that the polling place is run by their neighbors, co-workers, fellow community members.

My work as a city clerk (local election administrator) is mostly done by election day. On election day, we address unexpected problems such as a jam in a voting machine, but the day-long operation of the polling places is handled by the polling place supervisor and the election clerks, all of whom are residents of the community. This helps to build public trust. Aside from the party balance of workers, the election administration is non-partisan. We must be impartial in our decisions.

What are best practices for meeting with public safety in advance to ensure canvassing locations are secure?

A few years ago, we were able to have a review of our seven polling places conducted by Homeland Security and the agent was able to offer suggestions regarding potential emergency scenarios that we had not considered before such as a prolonged power outage, major traffic accident blocking access to a polling place, and so forth. We were then able to work with our local police and fire departments to develop back up plans as best we can. We also have police officers at every polling place the entire time the election workers are present.

Lewiston has the unfortunate distinction of being home to the worst mass shooting in 2023 in the country. We work to ensure our residents feel save in large public settings and the presence of a police officer helps residents know the location is being monitored for their safety. Our city safety officer does a walk through of all polling places a week before the election to spot any concerns. He also does a walk around outside of the building to spot any issues. For election operation security – we are required to test all voting machines in advance of election day to ensure accurate counts.

Our voting machines in Maine are free-standing machines that are not connected to any network or the internet in order to avoid any outside interference. There are also clear and documented chain of custody procedures from the Secretary of State’s Office to log and track the delivery of ballots, machine programming, etc. In Maine, we use paper ballots and an electronic tabulator (voting machine) but recounts are conducted by hand and an election team will hand count the paper ballots to verify the results.

How can clerks and city/county managers work together on this?

We have been extremely lucky to have outstanding support from the city administrators here. They recognize the work involved in conducting a problem-free election. A problem-free election is best achieved with a lot of advanced preparation and training. Boring elections are the best elections! 
We utilize employees from every city department to help on election day with voter registration at the polls, delivering supplies, serving as runners, etc. This would not be possible without the support of the city administrator. Elections are the single, largest one day event that the city hosts. We have about 28,000 registered votes so we say that election day is like throwing a party for 28,000 of our closest friends. We need to be prepared to welcome and accommodate all of them during a large election. 

An additional note

There are 50 states, which means 50 different sets of election laws and procedures. Not everything will be applicable to all states.

What folks see in the national news is not always applicable to their own state. A good example is the Bush/Gore Florida hanging chads ballot count that was televised 24/7. The news reports kept noting that Florida voters had 30 days after election day to submit their absentee ballot and it would still count in the state election totals. In Maine, all absentee ballots must be received by 8pm/close of polls on election night in order to be counted.

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin are the only states (I believe) where county/state/federal elections are administered on the municipal level by town clerks/city clerks. In the rest of the country, the elections are administered on the county level.

Ashley Reichert, County Clerk, Washington County, Wisconsin

Having led election integrity initiatives that have drawn state and national attention, including voluntary hand count audits and expanded voter access beyond statutory requirements, I believe public trust in elections is rebuilt through transparent systems that invite accountability at every step of the process. 

Election administration is both technical and public-facing, requiring accuracy as well as clear communication with our communities and residents. For election officials, the responsibility extends beyond providing accurate results; it includes ensuring the public understands how the process behind how a safe, secure, accurate, and accessible election is achieved. In an era of heightened scrutiny, restoring confidence in elections requires deliberate transparency, consistent practices, and collaborative leadership across jurisdictions. 

In my role as a county clerk, ensuring safe, secure, accurate, and accessible elections begins well before Election Day. Our approach is grounded in truly proactive planning, standardized training, and layered accountability designed to promote consistency and accuracy across municipalities. My office coordinates and establishes comprehensive training for municipal clerks and our chief election inspectors, while municipal clerks, in turn, provide standardized hands-on training for election inspectors within their jurisdictions. This shared responsibility ensures election procedures are applied uniformly, regardless of the municipality’s size, geography, or population variance. Consistency reduces risk, minimizes error, and reinforces voter confidence regarding the system in its entirety. 

Transparency is truly a foundation of good governance in election administration. To strengthen accountability and public understanding, I implemented voluntary random hand-count audits that are conducted publicly during our county board of canvass meetings following elections, as well as countywide audits following general elections. These audits exceed statutory requirements and are designed not only to verify results, but to demonstrate the integrity of the process in a visible and accessible way to the public. By inviting observation and scrutiny, election administrators reinforce that accuracy is not assumed but is validated through deliberate and transparent review. 

Public trust is also closely tied to accessibility. Confidence is built when election systems are designed to expand access without compromising security.  One of the most effective strategies we implemented was reimbursing municipalities for extended in-person absentee voting hours through county funding. This approach allowed municipal clerks across Washington County to expand access using the same trained staff, established chain-of-custody procedures, and secure absentee voting controls already in place, rather than creating new or inconsistent processes. Access and integrity should not be viewed as competing priorities; when administered thoughtfully, both strengthen one another and support broader participation without compromising well-designed safeguards. 

Community engagement further reinforces trust by educating the public regarding election processes. Elections can appear complex and potentially confusing to voters who interact with the process infrequently, perhaps only voting once every four years.  Initiatives such as student-designed “I Voted” stickers, partnerships with area school districts, and public observation during our county board of canvass meetings help voters, particularly younger and first-time voters, understand how elections function behind the scenes. In doing so, these efforts make the process more approachable and reinforce the integrity of the election process. 

Security planning is another essential, though often unseen, component of election administration. Throughout the year, including outside of election cycles, my office works closely with local law enforcement and public safety officials to review locations, logistics, and emergency preparedness planning.  These conversations focus on advance planning and coordination, ensuring issues can be addressed proactively. Establishing clear communication channels and emergency preparedness in advance of any election allows all election partners across the county to perform their statutory duties in a secure, calm, and professional environment. Effective coordination with public safety partners helps protect the integrity of the process while ensuring transparency and public access are preserved. 

Strong election administration also depends on collaboration between clerks and administration at all levels of government. Sustainable best practices require alignment between election officials and administrative leadership and in Washington County, this collaboration is built on regular communication, shared planning, and mutual respect for each role within the election process. Working closely with county leadership allows us to secure resources, innovate within our operations, and implement best practices while remaining compliant with state and federal law.  This partnership becomes increasingly important as election administration faces heightened public scrutiny and the possibility for widespread misinformation. When clerks and government administration teams are aligned, decisions are grounded in facts, messaging can remain consistent, and the public receives clear and accurate information. Good governance in elections is not achieved in isolation; it is truly the result of coordinated leadership and a shared commitment to transparency and accountability. 

Restoring public trust in elections does not happen through rhetoric or isolated initiatives. It is built through consistent actions, clear communication, and a willingness to exceed the bare minimum of what is required from each of us. By investing in training, implementing voluntary hand-count audits, expanding access responsibly, engaging the community and our youth, and collaborating across departments, election administrators demonstrate that integrity is actively maintained, not merely assumed. 

Ultimately, the role of election officials extends beyond administering elections correctly. It includes ensuring voters can see, understand, and trust the systems that safeguard our participation in democracy. Transparency, accountability, and collaboration are not optional; they are essential to sustaining confidence in elections and promoting good governance across the nation. 

Lisa Posthumus Lyons, County Clerk and Register of Deeds, Kent County, Michigan

How do you work to ensure a fair process?

Michigan’s elections are highly decentralized and are executed at the local level, among 1,500+ city, township, and county clerks, which lends to security and fairness. Additionally, the law requires that elections workers in voting precincts, absentee counting boards, and early voting sites represent the two major political parties in as equal number as possible. 

After every election, a bi-partisan board of canvassers reviews the reported results and list of voters to ensure the results are accurate and the ballots cast match the number of ballots issued. Transparency is another key to ensuring fairness; there are so many opportunities for the public and media to personally observe the process before, during, and after the election. Michigan relies on checks-and-balances for secure, transparent, fair, and accurate elections, and these are just a few.

What are best practices for meeting with public safety in advance to ensure canvassing locations are secure?

I am incredibly grateful that the 30 elections I have overseen as Clerk have been without incident when it comes to serious threats to our clerks, elections workers, or voters. That is largely attributed to the fact that we begin preparations for each election months, if not years in advance. Well ahead of when voting begins, we are working with local, state, and federal agencies- especially our counterparts at the county sheriff’s office and emergency management teams- to establish lines of communications and update safety and response plans should there be a need. 

Additionally, I consider my role as Clerk to be not just that of an administrator, but also an ambassador for elections. I set the tone that elections are a celebration of democracy and the blessings of liberty. It is my job as a leader to publicly establish expectations with the voters: they can expect a secure, transparent, fair, and accurate process, and they and their fellow citizens will be free to exercise their sacred right to vote unimpeded. In exchange, I expect from them civility and respect for the constitutional rights of all. I am thankful that this “golden rule for elections” has held in West Michigan. 

How can clerks and city/county managers work together on this?

Changes to election-related laws, advancements in technology, and increased public attention mean the financial cost of 21st century elections have grown exponentially. This has strained clerk and county budgets around the country. It is critical for clerks and managers to work together in recognition that our elections are a core, fundamental, and essential function of government. 

Only a few cycles ago, funding for elections was an every two- or four-year after-thought. But with the level of scrutiny on our elections today, it’s imperative for clerks and managers to work together to fully fund elections with the transparency and technology that voters expect in the 21st century. This includes working within their local budgets as well as advocating for state and federal funding to ensure a level playing field for voters throughout the state. 

Over the last several years, we have experienced a rapid turnover of clerks nationwide due to the pressures of election administration. It is very helpful when managers understand the depth and breadth of clerks’ responsibilities and the high-stakes nature of their role, and as a result ensure they are compensated a professional wage reflective of their occupational duties and demands. It’s not only about money, though. 

I have been so fortunate to enjoy a positive working relationship with, and strong support from, my county manager and his team.  We listen to one another and deeply respect each other’s roles and expertise. From helping with communication, providing legal representation, or just offering words of encouragement to my team and me, or about my team and me to their sphere of influence, they’ve got my back, and I have the county’s support for whatever I need to do my job well and represent the people of Kent County to the best of my ability.     

Lisa Wise, County Elections Administrator, El Paso County, Texas

Voting in the state of Texas isn’t something that happens only every two years. In addition to the scheduled statewide elections, El Paso County administers between four and six local elections each year for schools, utility districts, and municipalities. All elections require months of preparation and the support and collaboration of numerous stakeholders. 

The Texas election code directs the procedures and requirements that parties such as candidates, political leaders, campaign personnel, voters and election officials must follow. Our county uses these statutes as a foundation and then builds out to provide information and services to the public. Including stakeholders in the process is the most crucial step for holding public trust in elections. Ballot testing, ballot counting and commitment to responsiveness are a few ways we involve our stakeholders and ensure fair elections. 

Texas counties conduct logic and accuracy tests for ballots before they are printed, again before they are counted and one final time before the results are canvassed. Appointed members of the public participate in this testing and see the complex steps required and are able to ask any questions of our staff. We have had members of the public come into the testing critical of election procedures and leave with a new understanding and trust in the measures that are in place to ensure a secure election. 

Members of the public also participate in the counting of the ballots and reporting the results on Election Night as well as the required manual count following the election. Whether these members of the public are selected by the political parties or the entities conducting a local election, our department has people outside of our staff involved in the counting and reporting process for every election. This participation allows voters to view the process through a new lens and share their experience and confidence in the accuracy of elections with their respective groups. 

Finally, election offices are staffed by dedicated public servants. Our department prioritizes addressing constituents’ questions and concerns as they are reported. Responding timely to calls or emails and keeping communication open is paramount. Transparency with information and issues that may affect an election helps to build and maintain trust with the public. 

Our office is in constant communication with our public safety officers throughout the year. Our department developed a slide deck that we present to local and federal public safety officers on the election code and what violations we are likely to see and may need their assistance with. Election code violations are so rare that many public safety officers have little experience with them. 

We have members from the county sheriff, municipal police and school Districts who assist us if needed. We also utilize those public safety officers for delivery of election equipment, ballots and during any counting of the ballots at our central counting station. 

El Paso County is fortunate in that both our county commissioners and county administration understand the needs and responsibilities of an elections department. This relationship is fostered through communication and a shared commitment to responsive and transparent government.