According to polling conducted this summer by the Gallup Democracy for All project and the Kettering Foundation, nearly three-fourths of Americans report at least “a fair amount of concern” about multiple aspects of the election process.
In Michigan, local election clerks play an important role in making sure votes are properly cast and counted and election results reflect the preferences of voters.
Delta College will bring local election officials together for “Democracy’s Front Lines: Local Clerks on Election Security in Michigan,” a panel discussion focused on election security and ballot integrity.
The event will take place at 10am on Tuesday, October 6, in the Delta College Lecture Theater, G160. It is free and open to the public.
Election clerks from Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties will discuss measures in place to protect ballot integrity in Michigan and address common concerns voters may have about whether their vote will be counted.
Delta College political science professor Lisa Lawrason has incorporated an assignment into her classes that gives students a behind-the-scenes look at how elections are conducted in their own communities. Students meet with their local election clerks and learn about the processes in place to verify voters and protect elections.
“Confidence in election outcomes is essential for the survival of democracy,” Lawrason said. “If people don’t trust the peaceful means elections provide to change the government, then they will resort to non-peaceful actions to get the change they want.”
Lawrason, who will moderate the event, said the role local election clerks play in protecting constitutional democracy in the United States cannot be overstated.
“These clerks are on the front lines of democracy, ensuring that every vote is counted. Every voice is heard,” Lawrason said.
Panelists include Bay County Clerk Kathleen Zanotti, Saginaw County Clerk Vanessa Guerra, Midland County Director of Elections Ann Manary and Midland County Deputy Clerk John Keefer.
For more information about the event, contact Lisa Lawrason at 989-686-9509 or lisalawrason@delta.edu.
