Election Officials must follow the Law. Here’s How. | Opinion
The profession of administering elections has changed dramatically over the last few years. New developments have changed not only the way elections are conducted, but also how they are perceived by the public. When I started working as an election official in Marion County, Florida in 2001, the most advanced piece of technology we had was a calculator. Times have changed since then, which is why it’s important to keep our community updated as well. We strive for transparency and trust by educating voters on what we do every day to run elections fairly and securely.
I have over 30 years of experience in election administration and currently serve as the Supervisor of Elections in Marion County. I strive to make elections easier to understand for voters because I understand how complicated and confusing election processes can seem. Political polarization has furthered this divide in many communities, which is why I aim to show voters that impartiality is of the utmost importance to us, and elections offices around the country. I am a Floridian and a citizen of Marion County, perhaps a neighbor of yours, and I want voters to know that elections offices like ours are ethical, impartial, and deeply committed to making sure your votes count.
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As the Supervisor of Elections, people often wonder what my job actually entails and how I separate my own politics from my nonpartisan responsibilities. The truth is that’s the easiest part of my work. The role of an election official depends entirely on the law, not on our personal biases or beliefs. The professional Standards of Conduct we follow as election officials make it clear that our first duty is to uphold the U.S. Constitution and all laws and policies of our states. It is important to me that voters understand election officials work from this set of principles, which start with following the law and committing us to impartiality, integrity, and transparency. That’s why I'm working with fellow election administrators from around the country to emphasize our professional Standards of Conduct this year — clarifying for voters what these principles mean in practice and how we follow them in our day-to-day work.
When I explain to voters how we follow the law, a common question is how we settle issues where the law is unclear. One example is confirming Florida residency for those running for office. There is no law stating how we should do so. This is where our professional ethics come in, clarifying that my authority only pertains to the four corners of the document that a candidate submitted for approval. I use these ethical principles to understand where my authority ends and to make sure I don’t exceed it.
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Another ethical principle we carry out in Marion County is to practice transparency and build real relationships within our community. We engage with both partisan and nonpartisan groups by giving presentations that provide clear, factual information and answering any questions people have about the election process. I welcome all speaking opportunities. It’s important for my community to know and recognize the face behind their elections and hear directly from me if they have concerns.
Polling places have changed significantly since the days when a calculator was the most high-tech equipment available. They now have electronic tabulation machines, electronic poll books and ballot marking devices, to name a few. These technologies make elections more secure, efficient, and accurate, but also more complex. Therefore, the way we talk about and explain elections must also progress. That’s why I am always looking for new ways to connect and speak with voters and my community.
The Standards of Conduct that election officials follow make it easier for us to do our jobs, live our lives, and serve our communities. They firmly outline how we uphold the law, promote election professionalism, optimize operations, and engage with our voters. I encourage all voters to learn who their local election official is and contact their office with any questions concerning their local elections. We are members of the community, and we love to speak about and explain our work. We exist to make sure your vote counts, and to make sure you are confident it does.
Wesley Wilcox, CERA is the Supervisor of Elections for Marion County, Florida. He was first elected on November 6, 2012 and re-elected in 2016 and 2020 without opposition.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Supervisor of Election's first duty is to uphold the U.S. Constitution
