Seeing Is Believing: Can Observing Increase Confidence in Elections? ft. Jeff Mangan and Geraldine Custer

With such a closely watched vote count in 2024, election process transparency is critical for voter confidence. In a new episode of Democracy Fix, Issue One Election Protection Intern Risa Dorf and I sat down with former Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan and former State Representative Geraldine Custer to talk about their nonpartisan effort to address misinformation about elections and to build public confidence in how they are run and in who runs them.

Unlike traditional poll watchers who often represent specific political parties or candidates, the Montana Election Observation Initiative's nonpartisan observers are solely focused on ensuring the election process adheres to the law and to find ways to improve the process. The nonpartisan nature of the observers ensures that the focus remains on the integrity of the process, not the outcome.

One key finding from a pilot conducted during Montana’s primary election in June 2024 was the inconsistency in handling same-day voter registrations, an issue that will impact jurisdictions everywhere. Custer, with her extensive experience as an election administrator, emphasized that while some inconsistencies were due to recent legislative changes and court rulings, clear and uniform training could address many of these issues.

For me, the most compelling aspect of the initiative is its educational value. Observers and the public alike gain a deeper understanding of the electoral process. This education is crucial in an era where misinformation can easily sway public opinion. By demystifying the process and showing that elections are conducted by local election officials who are our neighbors, friends, and the people we go to dinner with — people we know and trust — we can counter the false narratives that undermine confidence.

The Montana Election Observation Initiative's work reminds us that democracy is a collective effort, one that requires informed participation, transparency, and, most importantly, trust in our neighbors. As we look towards future elections, I hope other states will be inspired by Montana's example and find new ways to showcase the integrity of their own electoral processes.