Pillars Updates

Pillars of the Community Launch Series of Interviews with Election Officials

Monday October 21, 2024 ยท 6:30 PM

Pillars of the Community is committed to boosting public trust in elections by providing educational videos that empower local and state election officials to effectively address voter concerns. These videos feature election officials from states like Wisconsin, Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina, who offer clear responses to questions about election security, integrity, and participation. Local officials also highlight the significant measures they are implementing to build confidence in the electoral process and promote civic engagement.


Wisconsin’s Focus on Voter Accessibility

As Wisconsin prepares for the 2024 elections, officials are prioritizing voter accessibility alongside election integrity. Rock County Clerk Lisa Tollefson discusses the resources available through MyVote.WI.gov, where residents can register to vote, check their status, and track absentee ballots. Both Tollefson and Wisconsin’s Chief Election Official Meagan Wolfe emphasize the importance of transparency and civic participation in upholding a healthy democracy. They also explain the state’s decentralized election system, which certifies voting machines and securely transmits unofficial results, ensuring the reliability of the process.


Georgia’s Emphasis on Security and Engagement

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, along with Chief Operating Officer Gabriel Sterling, outlines the state’s approach to election security. They focus on monitoring voter lists to prevent fraud and implementing photo ID requirements for in-person and absentee voting. They also highlight the importance of verifiable paper ballots and post-election audits to increase confidence in the electoral process. Raffensperger and Sterling encourage Georgians to serve as poll workers, noting their critical role in maintaining a trustworthy electoral system.


Michigan’s Transparent Voting Process

In Michigan, Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck provides an overview of the state’s election process, highlighting transparency and securing mail-in voting to improve voter access while ensuring accurate voter rolls. Roebuck also emphasizes the protection of voting machines as a cornerstone of election integrity and encourages citizens to become poll workers.


North Carolina’s Commitment to Election Integrity

Karen Brinson-Bell, Executive Director of the North Carolina Department of Elections, recently discussed key measures that uphold election integrity in the state, such as rigorous logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, and voter roll audits. Brinson-Bell stresses the importance of community involvement, urging citizens to serve as poll workers and election officials. She also reassures voters that North Carolina’s tabulation machines are air-gapped, protecting them from cyber threats.