Standing with the quiet protectors of our democracy
In an era where democracy feels increasingly fragile, there is a group of unsung heroes who stand at the frontlines, ensuring that the most fundamental pillar of our system — free and fair elections — remains intact. These individuals are our election officials, the quiet protectors of democracy. Yet, despite their crucial role, they are under unprecedented attack, facing harassment, threats, and a barrage of false accusations.
This Thursday, a new film is premiering on TIME/TIME Studios that shines a spotlight on these brave public servants and the immense pressures they face. “The Officials,” by filmmakers Margo Guernsey and Sara Archambault who also produced “No Time To Fail” about the labor of elections in 2020, delves deeper into the consequences of increased political polarization and a growing campaign of disinformation. I was lucky to get a sneak peek of the film since a few of the officials that the film follows are members of Issue One’s Faces of Democracy campaign, which is powered by election officials and poll workers from across the country who are dedicated to strengthening America’s elections.
In “The Officials,” Defiance County, OH Board of Election Director Tonya Wichman, a Faces of Democracy member, laments about how things have changed over the last few years for her as an election official: “It’s just a constant demonizing of election officials. When we could go back to 2015 and nobody knew we were here… Now I go to church and someone sitting at the end of the pew that has just been attacking us on social media. This was happening with different election officials across the country. I hate that elections have been demonized. That people don’t understand what we do.”
Election workers have always been an essential part of our democratic fabric, quietly working behind the scenes to ensure the integrity of our elections and access to the ballot box. They are the individuals who make the voting process run smoothly — from organizing polling stations to ensuring ballots are accurately counted. This was once seen as a civic duty, a responsibility carried out without fanfare. But as “The Officials” highlights, this work has become dangerously politicized. Election administrators are no longer just civil servants; they are now on the frontlines of a battle over the future of our democracy.
Janice Winfrey, city clerk of Detroit, MI, poignantly states in the film, “Democracy is in our hands.” She and her colleagues across the nation embody this sentiment every day, often at great personal risk. Election officials have been doxxed, stalked, and threatened — actions that were unimaginable just a few years ago. The surge in these attacks is directly tied to false narratives about our elections and the processes behind them. These falsehoods not only undermine the credibility of elections but also put the lives of public servants at risk. And despite these risks, election workers across the country continue to serve and show civic bravery. Because in the words of Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe, “...we cannot set the precedent that harassing, bullying, threatening an election official is an effective way to get rid of them. We cannot let that be the case because then it is going to keep happening.”
The importance of supporting election officials cannot be overstated. So, today on National Voter Registration Day – and as we approach the General Election – we must remember that these are the individuals who make democracy work. They set up polling places, recruit and train poll workers, troubleshoot voting equipment, and ensure every ballot is securely cast and counted. They are the custodians of our democratic process. Without their dedication, the very foundation of our democracy — trust in elections — would crumble.
Want to do more to support these guardians of democracy? Here are a few ideas:
Acknowledge Their Service:
A simple “thank you” goes a long way in showing appreciation. Consider writing a letter to your local election officials or organizing community events to show support. Additionally, sign our individual pledge to show your support for election officials.Combat Disinformation:
Think critically about the information you see online about elections. False information is designed to make you feel angry, fearful and alarmed. Before you share content that sparks strong emotions, check the most trusted source of election information. Issue One created HowElectionsWork.org to direct people to the best source for election information in their state – elections officials.Advocate for Protections and Funding:
Election officials need more than just moral support — they need concrete protections. Contact your elected representatives and urge them to pass laws that protect election workers from harassment and threats. Additionally, secure and fair elections require consistent funding. Advocating for the necessary financial resources ensures that election officials can do their jobs effectively.Register to Vote:
Honor the work of election officials by participating in the democratic process! That starts by making sure you are registered and ready to vote. On this National Voter Registration Day, take the time to check your voter registration status and register to vote if you aren’t already. You can go to HowElectionsWork.org to find out how to check if you’re registered and register to vote in your state.Become Part of the Solution:
Consider becoming a poll worker or election observer in your local community. Poll workers are essential to the smooth functioning of elections, and their presence ensures transparency. It is one way to actively participate in protecting our democratic process. Learn more about becoming a poll worker at Power the Polls.Host Screenings and Discussions:
“The Officials” offers an invaluable opportunity for communities to come together and discuss the challenges facing our election system. Hosting a screening of the film and facilitating discussions about election integrity is a powerful way to raise awareness and foster action at the local level.
As the film reminds us, democracy is not a given; it’s something that must be actively defended. Election officials are leading that defense, but they cannot do it alone. It’s up to all of us — voters, citizens, and community members — to support them, to challenge false information, and to advocate for the secure and fair elections that are the hallmark of a functioning democracy.
The threats to our election system are real, but they are not insurmountable. By standing with our election officials, we are standing up for democracy itself. Let’s all be part of the solution.