How election officials are working to mitigate growing distrust ahead of midterms

Election officials across the United States are grappling with mounting distrust and a series of challenges as the country heads into the high-stakes midterm elections. Wendy Weiser, a vice president at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, notes that the level of distrust is higher this year than during typical midterm years. President Donald Trump's administration, she adds, has exacerbated the situation by questioning election outcomes through unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.

The Trump administration has taken steps, including filing lawsuits in California and Alaska and threatening to prosecute election workers, to assert control over state-run elections. However, these actions have led to a breakdown in the relationship between federal and state officials, with Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar describing a "deep sense of suspicion" in the relationship.

Election workers at the county level are also facing increased scrutiny and skepticism from voters. About 60% of Americans believe the midterms will be conducted fairly and accurately, while nearly 40% are not confident. Deidre Holden, director of elections and voter registration in Paulding County, Georgia, emphasizes the importance of transparency and safety measures at polling places. She has stationed sheriff's deputies at every polling location and arranged active shooter training for poll workers.

Georgia's Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, faced intense criticism in 2021 when he was approached by Trump about finding 11,780 votes to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Despite the backlash, Raffensperger certified the election results, stating that his office followed the law and constitution. Early voting for the midterms has already begun in Georgia, and Raffensperger remains confident that the election results will be accurate and verifiable.