Election officials and our work can be a heated subject, particularly in a world of viral media where conflict and extreme views often get the most reach. It would be easy for any voter to imagine “election officials” as a far-off group of people in their state capital or in Washington, D.C., who don’t know them or understand their community. In reality that couldn’t be further from the truth — election officials are part of every single community in the nation, and we conduct elections according to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
As the general registrar of Henrico County, I am responsible for our elections team and leading the administration of local, state and federal elections in our area. My involvement in elections goes back nearly three decades, but, first and foremost, I remain a Virginia resident, taxpayer and voter myself. After years of my own experience and working with fellow election officials elsewhere, I can confidently say that our profession is full of people who take honesty and integrity very seriously — and they live in communities just like mine.
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In 2023, I joined with leaders from nine other elections offices throughout the country to update the ethical code of conduct that all election officials nationwide follow. We came together in recognition of a simple fact: many voters do not know their election officials and what we do every day to ensure elections are held fairly and impartially.
Our updated Standards of Conduct do not alter the core principles that have guided election officials for decades; instead, they make clear how each principle translates into our everyday work. What does it mean for election officials to follow the law, build relationships in their community, serve as experts on election law, and stay current with emerging forms of technology? These professional ethics outline the story of who we are and how we do our jobs — and every election official can tell you how they live these principles on a daily basis.
In our Henrico County elections office, we focus heavily on engaging the public. As an elections official, I know my vote counts because it’s my job to make it so. But it is also our job to make sure others feel the same way. When it comes to answering questions from local media or addressing community organizations, “no” is not an answer we use. We work hard to provide clear and accessible information to all voters in our area about how and when to vote. Where we see false information spreading, we are not afraid to rebuke it — but we always remain willing to answer voters’ questions.
Beyond official duties, I engage as a community member in my church, the Rotary Club, little league and other personal commitments that make me an accessible resource to my neighbors. Election officials around the country do this every day; we don’t stroll into town every two or four years and then leave. We are part of our communities year-round.
We work hard to ensure every eligible vote is counted and election outcomes reflect the will of the electorate. We follow the law — and the U.S. Constitution — and administer elections impartially. We take pride in providing spaces for voters to gather, register, vote and learn. We regularly review our procedures, stay apprised of changes to the law, and consult with experts about how to approach uncertain situations or new technologies. There is nothing more important than votes in a democracy. For this reason, we take every single detail of our duties seriously.
We are constantly collaborating to improve our work, be accessible and maintain the most up-to-date, nonpartisan information for our communities. Standing behind our Standards of Conduct is important to myself and other election officials because we want voters to understand we are professionals who stay true to an ethical code and maintain the highest level of integrity in performing our duties. Election officials around the country may follow different state or local laws, but our entire profession is committed to upholding these principles.
Do you know your local election officials? They may go to your church, send their kids to the same school as yours or cheer for the same local team. I would encourage anyone who wants to know more about elections to start a dialogue with your local elections office, and the members of your community who work there. We are in every jurisdiction in the country, and all of us commit to being accessible to your questions and concerns. Building your trust and confidence in our work is just what we do.
Videos: Richmond-area voters tell us who they voted for and why
We visited polling sites throughout the Richmond region to talk to voters on Super Tuesday.
Chester voter Joe Raper explains why he is voting for Donald Trump.
Michael Glotz, a resident of western Henrico, voted for Donald Trump in Tuesday's primary. Glotz said the country needs someone "strong enough…
Arlinda Hairston speaks about voting on Super Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
Cannon West speaks about voting on Super Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
Richmond voter Charlene Pitchford explains why she is voting for Joe Biden
Sandston voter Barbara Fore explains why she is voting for Donald Trump
Chesterfield voter Stephen Hood explains why he is voting for Donald Trump