Misinformation and threats on election officials are attacks on democracy. | Opinion

Increased scrutiny of elections nationwide means election officials like us are often under a microscope. That’s fine; people have a right to know what we do to conduct elections securely and fairly. However, violent threats and false information targeting election officials are common – driving officials to resign and crossing a line that threatens our democracy. Election officials’ first responsibility is to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the law – that’s what thousands of election officials around the country do every day. Ahead of an election season that will undoubtedly be full of controversy, we want Travis County voters to understand who we are, how we work, and why you can be confident that your vote will count in November.  

Elections are administered by officials, workers, and volunteers, all of whom are part of the communities they serve and dedicated to running fair and trusted elections. Together, the two of us oversee Travis County’s elections operations. Combined, we have deputized thousands of registrars, trained thousands of poll workers and election judges, and worked closely with countless volunteers. When our elections go smoothly, it’s because thousands of Travis County community members worked together to make it happen.

The 2024 elections will likely pose serious challenges to our election system, and local election officials will be thrust into the spotlight. It is important Texans understand who their officials are and the rigorous work that goes into administering elections in our state. Election officials abide by a code of conduct that commits us to fairness, integrity and impartiality. These standards assert, first and foremost, that we are responsible for upholding the U.S. Constitution, the Texas Constitution, and all federal, state, and local laws. 

Election officials like us, in Texas and around the country, are professionals who undergo extensive training and certification programs. We are responsible for establishing public trust in election outcomes, including by remaining nonpartisan and not publicly supporting ballot measures or political candidates. Our personal beliefs do not – and should not – impact our roles. Our focus is ensuring people have their say at the ballot box. 

Unfortunately, election officials nationwide – Texas included – have received violent threats. While election procedures can be questioned if warranted, death threats and false information are unacceptable. Election administration can be a stressful job, but we carry it out with passion. It is disheartening to see election workers’ threatened and their integrity questioned due to false information spread by bad actors.

In Travis County we have been fortunate to avoid receiving credible threats of violence against us. However, we know from the experience of fellow officials that a single video, public statement, or official action, taken out of context by bad actors, could change that. As a result, we are as proactive as we can be in building trust with our community. Our election processes are transparent – we encourage voters with questions about the process to raise them and hear our response. Voters are encouraged on election day to watch ballots being counted if they wish.

Misinformation and disinformation can cast doubt about election officials and erode public trust in elections. Travis County aims to address concerns or issues that come to our attention through news statements, social media posts, and public events that we hold throughout the county. 

However, many pieces of false information are published or shared that we can’t see or respond to. It is vital for the public to engage directly with election officials and ask questions. If a post on social media or an article shared online makes you question the integrity of our elections, please visit our website, email us, and get information from the source. 

Our job is about more than running elections; we also need to ensure our communities are confident their votes matter. We know firsthand the professionalism demonstrated by election officials, even amid intense pressure and scrutiny. Texans in Travis County and across the state should have confidence that election officials are dedicated to integrity, impartiality, and fairness, and want our elections to be secure and reflect the will of voters. After all, we’re members of the community and voters just like you.

Elfant is Travis County Tax Assessor/Collector, responsible for voter registration. Limon-Mercado is Travis County Clerk, responsible for overseeing elections.