As election conspiracy theorists continue to cast doubt on the integrity and safety of the elections, Virginia’s 2023 General Election could be threatened from the very individuals appointed to oversee the system. In large and small jurisdictions alike, election deniers and subverters are in positions of power on Electoral Boards. Individuals who embrace fringe election conspiracy theories, attended the January 6th rally in Washington, DC, and cast doubt on the integrity of Virginia’s elections are now in charge of administering elections across the Commonwealth. Our research highlights examples from across the state so that Virginia voters know who is in charge of the administration of their elections, and where potential threats may exist.
Anti-Democracy Activity Among Election Administrators
Professional, non-partisan, experienced Registrars are key to smooth and fair elections. In 2023, multiple Electoral Boards either did not renew the contracts of their registrars putting inexperienced registrars in a vital job. Of particular concern are some jurisdictions where partisanship or politics were alleged as the primary purpose for a registrar’s non-renewal. Virginia’s Electoral Boards are political by nature but the registrar’s office should not be. Our research highlights worrying instances where experienced registrars have been pushed out of their jobs.
Multiple jurisdictions across Virginia embraced partisan trainings of officers of election and “pollwatchers” independent of guidance provided by the Commonwealth. Our research provides examples of counties and cities that have relied on these trainings and identify the real-world impacts that mistrained officers of election and “pollwatchers” can, and have, had on Virginia’s elections.