Join Vermont's Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, who oversees statewide elections, and South Burlington City Clerk Holly Reese, who prepares the voting equipment. They dive into the voting process, explaining how ballots are counted in Vermont and the stringent protocols ensuring election integrity. Discover how kids can engage by observing voting machines and counting processes. Plus, learn about the importance of transparency and the balance between security and access to voting—a fascinating peek into the electoral system!
The U.S. voting process involves rigorous checks and balances, including bipartisan oversight to ensure the integrity and security of elections.
Election officials prioritize both voter accessibility and integrity through measures like same-day registration and strict identification checks to mitigate fraud risks.
Deep dives
Understanding the Voting Process
The voting process in U.S. federal elections involves multiple safeguards to ensure that every vote cast accurately reflects the intentions of the voters. Various checks and balances are in place, including bipartisan teams overseeing polling operations and the meticulous chain of custody for voting equipment. This oversight reassures voters that their ballots are secure and the results will accurately reflect the votes cast on Election Day. Public scrutiny is encouraged, with opportunities for citizens to observe the electoral process, further reinforcing transparency and trust in the system.
Election Equipment Preparation
Preparation for elections includes thorough testing of voting equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability on Election Day. Election officials conduct practice runs to familiarize themselves with the machinery and processes, treating it as a critical 'dry run' before the actual voting occurs. These testing sessions, where volunteers learn how to operate optical scanners and check ballots, demonstrate the commitment to accuracy, as all equipment must function perfectly before finalizing the voting process. This proactive approach not only enhances efficiency but also safeguards against potential issues that may arise during actual polling.
Voter Access and Integrity
Ensuring voter access while maintaining election integrity is a primary concern for election officials. States like Vermont strive to make voting easier by offering same-day registration and ensuring that eligible voters can participate without unnecessary barriers. While fears of voter fraud are occasionally exaggerated, the systems in place, like centralized voter registration and strict identification checks, significantly mitigate such risks. Election officials emphasize that a well-designed electoral process prioritizes both accessibility for voters and the safeguarding of the election's integrity, helping to uphold the democratic principles of the nation.
Election Day in the United States is November 5 this year and election officials across the country are already hard at work setting up polling places and processing mail in ballots. Even if you’re not old enough to vote, you can be part of the process. You can watch voting machines be tested, observe the polling places on Election Day, or even watch votes be counted once the polls close. (Sometimes there are livestreams so you can watch from the comfort of your own home!) For this episode on how voting works, But Why stopped by the South Burlington City Hall on the day vote tabulators were being prepared. Plus we meet Vermont’s top election official, Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas. Have you asked an adult to take you to the polls yet?