Unexpected Wave of Resignations Disrupts Key American Public Service

A new report reveals an alarming trend: election officials are leaving their posts at unprecedented rates, raising concerns about the integrity of future elections.

At a Glance

Turnover among election administrators has increased from 28% in 2004 to 39% in 2022
36% of local election offices have changed hands since 2020
Factors contributing to higher turnover include increased hostility, job complexity, and an aging workforce
Experts call for better funding and support for election workers

Rising Turnover Rates Among Election Officials

America’s election system is facing a critical challenge as seasoned election officials are leaving their posts at an alarming rate. According to a comprehensive study by the Bipartisan Policy Center and UCLA researchers, turnover among election administrators has increased significantly over the past two decades. The analysis, which examined data from 18,644 local chief election officials across 6,290 jurisdictions, reveals a troubling trend that could impact the smooth operation of future elections.

The study found that turnover rates have risen from 28% in 2004 to 39% in 2022, representing a 38% increase. This trend is not isolated to specific regions or political areas but is a nationwide issue affecting jurisdictions of all sizes. While the increase has been gradual, it has accelerated in recent years, with a notable rise between 2018 and 2022.

Factors Contributing to the Mass Exodus

Several factors are driving this exodus of election officials. The increasingly hostile work environment, marked by threats and harassment, has taken a toll on many seasoned professionals. The complexity of the job has also increased, with officials now required to have expertise in areas such as cybersecurity and physical security, often without corresponding compensation.

“These turnover rates signify a crisis in our democracy,” said Issue One Founder and CEO Nick Penniman. “The health and vibrancy of election administrators are essential to ensuring free and fair elections in our country. Congress should heed the call of America’s election officials and deliver regular funding and stronger protections for election workers, and law enforcement agencies should intensify their efforts to hold accountable those that threaten the dedicated officials who help Americans make their voices heard at the ballot box. Election after election, local officials rise to the occasion to administer free and fair elections that are safe and secure. Now is the time for policymakers and lawmakers to stand with them.”

The aging workforce in election administration is another contributing factor. Many officials who have dedicated decades to this critical role are now reaching retirement age, and the pressures of the job are accelerating their decisions to step down.

Impact on Election Integrity

The high turnover rate among election officials raises serious concerns about the potential impact on the integrity and smooth operation of future elections. With each departing official, valuable institutional knowledge and experience are lost. This loss is particularly acute in battleground states like Arizona and Nevada, where significant percentages of counties now have new election officials at the helm.

“Election official turnover has been increasing steadily and might be rising more today.”

However, it’s important to note that not all aspects of this turnover are negative. The influx of new officials presents an opportunity to diversify the election workforce, which has historically been predominantly white and over 50 years old. Many new officials also bring relevant experience from other areas of election administration.

Very important report on local election official turnover. https://t.co/78gCREHgeB pic.twitter.com/ZINGed3bgX

— Charles Stewart III (@cstewartiii) April 9, 2024

Call for Action and Support

Experts and officials alike are calling for immediate action to address this crisis. Recommendations include strengthening support and resources for election officials, enhancing institutional knowledge transfer, fostering collaboration between experienced and new officials, and securing stable funding for election administration.

“Turnover is not a new phenomenon,” said Rachel Orey, senior associate director at the Bipartisan Policy Center Elections Project. “It is a long-term issue with roots in chronic challenges facing the election administration workforce.”

As we approach future elections, it is crucial that policymakers and lawmakers heed these calls to action. Ensuring the stability and expertise of our election workforce is essential for maintaining public confidence in our democratic processes and safeguarding the integrity of our elections.