Insights from an Election Director on Managing Voter Engagement and Upcoming Elections
Sean Drasher, Lebanon County’s election director, reflects on the challenges of administering the 2024 presidential election, including managing chaotic early voting and significant overtime. He noted successes like student poll workers and stressed the importance of meticulous planning for the upcoming municipal elections on May 20th. Drasher also encouraged civic engagement by informing potential candidates about the low barriers to running for local offices.
Sean Drasher, the election director for Lebanon County, began his career in election administration by being elected as Judge of Elections a decade ago. Recently, he shared insights into the challenges and satisfactions of overseeing the 2024 presidential election with WITF. Drasher noted that leading up to the election involved an intense workload, marked by significant overtime and overall chaos, especially within the month prior to voting day. Although he relished the excitement of the process, he acknowledged that many staff members felt overwhelmed by the demands placed upon them by the election system.
Drasher highlighted a notable success: the involvement of students as poll workers, which enriched the voting experience for both the workers and the community. Conversely, he expressed concerns regarding early voting in Pennsylvania, describing it as cumbersome. The queuing experienced by voters often resulted in long waits, detracting from the efficiency of the process and potentially leading to negative perceptions of the election administration.
With the upcoming municipal elections set for May 20th, Drasher explained the importance of meticulous planning and preparedness for these local contests, which involve numerous candidates who often lack prior election experience. He emphasized the need for potential candidates to realize that many local offices are accessible and require minimal effort to pursue. This encourages civic engagement and demonstrates how even minor roles can lead to greater involvement in public service.
The article discusses the experiences of Sean Drasher, an election director, as he reflects on the challenges and successes encountered during the recent presidential election process. It covers aspects of election administration, particularly focusing on early voting logistics, the importance of poll worker recruitment, and the complexity of local elections. The article also serves to inform potential candidates for upcoming municipal elections about how to participate in local governance.
In summary, Sean Drasher’s insights into the electoral process highlight the balance between the excitement of election administration and the challenges that arise, especially concerning early voting logistics. The importance of community involvement, particularly through youth as poll workers, and the upcoming municipal elections underscore the need for effective planning and civic engagement. Drasher encourages individuals to consider running for local offices, emphasizing the accessibility of these positions as a pathway to greater community participation.
Original Source: www.witf.org
