As an attorney, you understand the critical importance of the rule of law. Now, more than ever, it is vital for election officials to follow the law and thoroughly determine accurate election results, ensuring the public's faith in our democratic process.
Election workers play a crucial role in administering elections fairly and effectively, and your support in encouraging them to maintain this nonpartisan approach is needed. As many experienced election workers retire, it is essential that new generations step in to preserve the institutional knowledge that keeps our elections running smoothly.
The rule of law demands that elections are administered efficiently and even-handedly, allowing every eligible voter to exercise their right to vote. Attorneys like you can greatly support this effort by working alongside election workers to uphold transparency, fairness, and the integrity of our elections.
A recent poll underlines the urgency of this effort:
- 86% of respondents agree that election officials should verify that the number of ballots cast matches the number of voters.
- 85% believe that election officials must verify the accuracy of information before certifying results.
- 79% agree that bipartisan election boards should actively ensure accuracy, not just perform ministerial tasks.
- Only 37% of respondents trust election officials as the most accurate source of information, highlighting the need for increased transparency.
- 84% agree that reconciling the number of voters and ballots is essential before certification, and 78% believe accuracy should be prioritized over speed in certifying results.
The need for transparency and bipartisan oversight is also overwhelmingly supported:
- 94% of respondents stress the importance of representatives from both parties being present at every stage of vote counting and certification.
- Support for policies that ensure fairness includes:
- 83% agree proof of citizenship should be required when registering to vote.
- 75% support comparing voter rolls with other state databases to remove those who have moved.
- 65% believe in-person voting should be the norm except for those unable to do so due to specific circumstances.
This polling was conducted by Rasmussen Reports. A highly respected, nonpartisan media company specializing in public opinion polling, recognized for its accurate, timely, and relevant data collection. Their work is trusted by millions and is widely followed across multiple platforms, making Rasmussen one of the most influential sources of public opinion in the country.
These statistics reinforce the immense responsibility of election officials to uphold the integrity of the voting process. They face intense scrutiny and must navigate complex tasks to ensure every step is legally compliant and transparent. Your support as an attorney is crucial in reinforcing this commitment to the rule of law.
Election officials are dedicated to their oath—to certify only true and accurate results. Their task is under unprecedented scrutiny, and they carry a tremendous responsibility in ensuring every step of the process is transparent and trustworthy. Upholding the law and maintaining transparency are crucial to safeguard the accuracy of every vote and to reinforce public trust in our electoral system.
For example, Pennsylvania Statutes Title 25 P.S. Elections & Electoral Districts § 3154. Computation of returns by county board; certification; issuance of certificates of election, requires county election boards to compare the number of voters who voted from each precinct by all vote methods to the number of ballots cast in each precinct by each vote method and any discrepancy must be investigated before the results are certified.
Simply put, the role of election officials is not "ministerial" or "ceremonial"—by statute, they are required to ensure (and investigate if necessary) that elections are free from "fraud, deceit, or abuse" and that the results are accurate prior to certification.