As Election Day approaches, the state of U.S. democracy remains uncertain, with millions of Americans and some politicians still questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election results. In North Carolina, a key swing state, election officials are working to reassure voters, despite rampant skepticism.

Recent polling from Elon University found that only 48 percent of voters in North Carolina believe the national vote count will be fair and accurate, marking a 20-percentage-point drop from 2020. This lack of confidence is further showcased by a striking 50-percentage-point partisan gap in perceptions of election integrity. 

While these concerns are widespread, both local and national election officials have emphasized that our electoral system is “as secure and resilient as ever.” 

Derrick Bowens, the Director of the Durham County Board of Elections for the past seven years, confirmed this idea, stating that security measures are more intense now than in previous elections. 

In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security designated elections as “critical infrastructure,” granting them the same level of federal protection as transit systems, utilities, and disaster response services. 

Since this designation, Bowens said that the Board of Elections has received increased resources from the Election Assistance Commission and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to enhance various security measures. This includes the management of mail-in ballots and credentialed access to computer systems — both areas that are often scrutinized without full context. 

Though myth-busting messages about election security are scattered through press releases, news articles and websites like the CISA’s “Rumor v. Reality” page, Bowens said he thinks that the only way to truly change minds is by seeing the work firsthand.

“For those that are still speculating as to what happens with voting, voting systems and counting ballots, I would encourage them to come to public meetings where all of these things actually happen,” Bowens said. where they can see with their own eyes what they’re speculating about. “I think if people want the truth, they’ll come to seek the truth, and when they get it, they’ll accept it.”

One powerful way to experience the electoral process is by voting in person. Many surveys have shown that positive interactions with poll workers can improve voters’ perceptions of election security.

A 2022 Pew Research poll found that 89 percent of voters felt at least somewhat confident that their local poll workers would do a good job facilitating the election process. On the flip side, only 77 percent of voters said the same about state election officials, underscoring the significance of in-person interactions. 

Bowens said over 770 poll workers will be working in Durham County on Election Day, with more than 400 also serving during early voting.

Beverly Goodrich, a 64-year-old precinct official, is among the dedicated individuals working at the polls this month. Inspired by a friend to get involved nearly a decade ago, she has been working at a polling location on Duke’s campus ever since. 

“I like the democracy of it,” Goodrich said. “It amazes me how people feel so satisfied and rewarded when they vote, like they are able to make a difference.”

In her 50th year working at the polls, Cynthia Williams, a 75-year-old precinct official, said she has formed meaningful connections over the years with community members at her polling location, the Weaver Street Recreation Center. 

“It’s almost like a little reunion,” Williams said, referring to the voters who return each election cycle. “They look forward to seeing you, and they feel good about everything when they leave.”

Williams said she recognizes that poll workers are the “face” of elections, and she takes that responsibility seriously.  

As Nov. 5 nears, Bowens, other election officials, and the many poll workers of Durham County are actively working to promote voter participation and maintain the integrity of the election process. 

For more information on voting in Durham County, visit the Board of Elections website or download the DCo Votes app. 

Edited by Sophie Watson