Author Archive
Management
For Election Administrators, Death Threats Have Become Part of the Job
In a polarized society, the bureaucrats who operate the machinery of democracy are taking flak from all sides. More than 20 have resigned or retired since March 1, thinning their ranks at a time when they are most needed.
Oversight
Who Has Emergency Authority Over Elections? Nobody’s Quite Sure.
The tug of war over whether and how to hold Tuesday’s Wisconsin primary exposes a national problem: State and local officials with the most experience running elections lack the power to revamp or postpone voting during a crisis.
Oversight
Voting by Mail Would Reduce Coronavirus Transmission but It Has Other Risks
As COVID-19 spreads, many are proposing to hold the November election by mail. Without careful preparation, though, the transition could run into logistical problems and provide opportunities for voter fraud.
Oversight
Analysis: Political Parties Are Not as Good as Government Officials at Counting Votes
Most primaries are run by state and local governments. But caucuses are different — and Iowa shows how that can be a problem.
Tech
Report on Election Security Gains Attention, and a Sharp Rebuke
A Virginia cybersecurity company asserted many states were vulnerable to election system intrusions. Critics called the report flawed and questioned whether the company was looking to exploit legitimate anxiety about election security.
Management
Federal Election Agency, Hungry for Funds, Now Pays for Officials to Get to Office
Congressional overseers raise concerns as the Election Assistance Commission picks up the tab for commissioners commuting to work from out of state.
Management
How the Election Assistance Commission Came Not to Care So Much About Election Security
Safeguarding voting systems was the top priority of local officials across the country. Some of them say the federal agency specifically charged with helping them was missing in action.
