Opinion: Election officials are the gatekeepers of our democracy

CSSE Chair Neal Kelley and Natalie Adona, who is the Assistant Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters for Nevada County, California, write in the Orange County Register about how critical support of our election and election officials is as the United States approaches the 2022 midterms.

Election officials may not top the headlines every day, but without them, our democracy wouldn’t function. These county registrar of voters, city clerks, and volunteer poll workers are also our friends, family members, and neighbors. They not only embody our country’s commitment to government by and for the people, they are specially trained and equipped to ensure that every voter is heard.

As election officials, we know just how much work goes into ensuring that our elections are free, fair, and secure. We’ve also seen firsthand the challenges facing our public servants in recent years: the immense political pressure, intimidation, and disinformation that has fueled a disturbing uptick in violent threats. It’s a reality we must face and work together to address.

That’s why, with the midterm elections quickly approaching, now is the time for our leaders to act and provide the necessary resources and funding to protect our elections officials and keep elections safe in 2022 and beyond.

Orange County Register, September 19, 2022 – Election officials are the gatekeepers of our democracy: Natalie Adona and Neal Kelley

Read their full column in the Orange County Register here.