Sydney Lount
Research Mentor(s): Debra Horner
Mentor Department: Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy
Authors: Sydney Lount, Debra Horner, Margaret Walthall
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 48
Abstract
Election administrators in the United States play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of democratic processes, yet their perspectives on election challenges often remain overlooked. This study examines the gap between anticipated and actual challenges faced by election administrators in Michigan during the 2020, 2022, and 2024 elections. Quantitative data for this analysis comes from the 2020 and 2022 waves of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS), an ongoing census survey program administered by U-M’s Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP). The MPPS targets all local government units – counties, townships, cities, and villages – in Michigan and requests surveys from chief elected and chief appointed officials in each jurisdiction. Drawing on these survey data as well as qualitative information gathered from the 2020, 2022, and 2024 election cycles, this research highlights how an evolving political landscape shaped administrators’ expectations and realities. Key areas of focus include the assessments of local funding and resources available to administer elections, including staff and equipment, as well as accuracy of election results and disturbances at polling places. Findings reveal a significant disparity between perceived challenges and actual issues faced. In 2020, administrators predicted widespread problems with newly implemented reforms, such as same-day voter registration and no-excuse absentee voting, alongside fears of voter disinformation, election equipment failures, and polling place disturbances. However, while Detroit experienced isolated administrative issues, most jurisdictions reported smoother-than-expected processes. By 2022 and 2024, election officials had refined procedures and built confidence in reforms, mitigating many of the previously anticipated issues. Despite concerns about misinformation and poll worker errors, fewer problems materialized than expected, revealing a growing ability to manage elections effectively. This study contributes to the growing body of research on election administration by emphasizing the wide variety of electoral challenges and the importance of adaptive strategies to safeguard elections.
