Sandra Day O’Connor Institute and NASS Discuss Preparation for November Election

For Immediate Release
August 15, 2024

Washington, D.C. — The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy has collaborated with the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) to present an informative virtual discus­sion on the general election on November 5, 2024. Watch “How are Secretaries of State Preparing for the Election?” webcast today, August 15, 2024, at 2 PM ET/11 AM PT on the Institute’s website, YouTube channel, or your favorite podcast platform.

As the Institute’s founder, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, said, "Our democracy works best when it is open, accessible, and transparent to all citizens.”

NASS President Minnesota Secretary Steve Simon, President-elect Mississippi Secretary Michael Watson, and Executive Director Leslie Reynolds joined to discuss important bipartisan aspects of elec­tion administration, including election security, voter registration, recruitment of poll workers, and evolv­ing technology.

Since 2020's national spotlight on elections, NASS members have worked diligently to safeguard time­ly, accurate, and trusted voting information shared with the public. #TrustedInfo2024 is the NASS effort to help voters find election information. 

“Don’t just trust what is in your social media feed or what a particular candidate says,” Secretary Simon said. “Seek out trusted sources of information.”

Many states have also addressed this issue uniquely through collaboration with their legislatures on new laws at the state level. To help access this information, NASS created CanIVote.org, which leads voters directly to their state’s election officials for state laws, deadlines, and general election infor­mation.

Technology continues to evolve, and as artificial intelligence (AI) technology becomes more accessi­ble, election officials are addressing concerns to help ensure correct information is available. Several states are taking steps to create laws protecting voters from erroneous election information.

Another critical aspect of preparation for the general election is recruiting poll workers who play an es­sential role in America’s elections. “Nationwide, we are seeing a greater emphasis on recruiting the next generation of poll workers and ensuring that they are trained and ready to serve,” Executive Di­rector Reynolds said. “Having and continuing to expand the crop of poll workers is very important.”

Understandably, the aspect of election administration that garners the most attention is the results. The panelists noted official, certified results take time, and what Americans see on election night is not nec­essarily final.

“Election night is unofficial; when you see these calls made on election night, that is the media,” Secre­tary Watson said. “That is not your election official. I think it is really important that the public under­stands that.”

Each state has its own ballot rules, voting windows, and tabulation methods. Every election official's primary focus is accuracy to ensure every eligible vote counts. Contact your state and local election officials for up-to-date information if you have questions about your state’s laws, procedures, or rules. 

To further help you prepare for the November Election, the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute has created the Citizen’s Guide to the General Election. This guide provides state-level information on election deadlines, voter registration, which races are on the ballot, and more. You can find this guide and more election information at oconnorinstitute.org/elections.

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NASS Media Contact:
Maria Benson, Senior Director of Communications
mbenson@nass.org | 202-624-3528 | www.nass.org