As voters prepare to head to the polls for next week’s midterm elections, state and local election officials across the country say they are prepared to address potential challenges and maintain established procedures for administering and counting ballots.
Concerns about possible federal involvement in state-administered elections have increased in recent weeks following several actions by the federal government involving election administration in multiple states. These actions include lawsuits involving Alaska and California, as well as requests concerning voter eligibility and ballot handling in Washington state.
Election administration in the United States is largely handled by state and local governments. Thousands of election officials are responsible for overseeing voter registration, polling locations, ballot collection, vote counting and certification.
Election security experts say the decentralized structure provides multiple layers of oversight and safeguards. They also point to established state laws, court oversight, bipartisan poll watchers and procedures for recounts and election certification as important parts of the process.
Officials from both political parties have expressed confidence in their ability to conduct elections according to applicable laws and procedures.
New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, a Republican, said he expects the state’s election results to be accurate and said officials are prepared to handle increased scrutiny.
Former Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar, a Democrat, said election administrators are responsible for following the laws and procedures established in their jurisdictions. She also noted that courts can review disputes involving election administration.
In Georgia, Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has said the state’s election process will remain open and transparent. The U.S. Department of Justice has announced plans to send election monitors to six Georgia counties. State officials have also indicated that additional observers will be present.
Election preparations have also included exercises designed to address potential Election Day disruptions. In Arizona’s Pinal County, officials participated in a tabletop exercise covering scenarios such as power outages, protests and possible federal involvement.
County Recorder Dana Lewis said her office is committed to following election laws and maintaining transparency throughout the process.
Election officials and voting advocates say voters should continue to use established election resources for information about registration, polling locations, voting procedures and results.
As the midterm elections approach, state and local officials remain responsible for carrying out election procedures under the laws governing their respective jurisdictions. Any challenges involving ballots, vote counts or election certification will be addressed through the applicable administrative and legal processes.
