On October 18, Ethnic Media Services held an online conference titled “Ensuring Effective Ballots Amid Election Threats,” just three weeks ahead of the November elections. With the security of ballots and voter participation at the forefront of discussion, speakers explored measures to ensure that every voter can exercise their voting rights smoothly and that ballots are counted securely and reliably.
The event brought together experts from the U.S. electoral landscape, including Celina Stewart from the League of Women Voters, Andrew Garber from the Brennan Center for Justice, Robert A. Pape, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, and May Tiwamangkala from the Arizona Asian American and Pacific Islander Equity Alliance. Each speaker shared their insights on election security and voter engagement, discussing strategies to safeguard ballots in the current environment.
Celina Stewart opened the discussion by emphasizing that voting is not only a right but also a vital way for citizens to express their views on the future of their communities and the nation. She pointed out that voting impacts not only individual interests but also those of families, communities, and future generations. She recommended that voters visit Vote411.org, a resource that provides detailed candidate information, ballot content, and transparency tools related to campaign financing, helping voters better understand who supports the candidates.
Andrew Garber noted that while the U.S. electoral system is designed to be very secure, external factors can still pose challenges, such as natural disasters or the spread of misinformation. He urged voters to stay informed about the latest polling locations and voting methods, especially in the event of sudden changes due to emergencies. Garber also stressed the significant impact of misinformation on elections, advising voters to rely on trusted information sources to ensure their ballots are submitted correctly.
Stewart urged voters to check their registration status before voting to confirm their information is correct, particularly if they have moved or changed their name. She also recommended that voters familiarize themselves with mail-in voting and early voting options to avoid any surprises on Election Day. Garber reiterated the need for caution regarding misinformation on social media and emphasized the importance of obtaining information through official channels.
May Tiwamangkala highlighted the additional challenges faced by voters from Asian and Pacific Islander communities, particularly language barriers and unfamiliarity with the voting process. She advocated for increased voter education and candidate forums to encourage greater participation from these communities, allowing voters to connect directly with candidates and understand their policies and positions.
The speakers collectively emphasized that voters should actively engage and ensure their ballots are effective. Whether it’s updating voter information, understanding voting methods, or being vigilant against misinformation, these steps are crucial for safeguarding the integrity of ballots.
