Statement from the American Society for Public Administration in Support of Election Administrators

November 7, 2022

Washington, D.C. – The National Council of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) wishes to express its unconditional support of the important work election administrators perform across the country. Access to the voting booth and free and fair election administration are central elements of an effectively functioning democracy.

The National Council expresses its concern over the laws many state legislatures have enacted in recent years to make it more difficult for citizens to exercise their right to the ballot. Further, it voices its opposition to laws and policies replacing expert, nonpartisan and professional election administrators with partisan officials. Finally, it condemns acts of hatred and violence against the civil servants working to ensure their citizens have lawful access to their right to vote.

These actions serve to limit access to the ballot, jeopardize election integrity and undermine people’s trust in government. They also betray the democratic values to which our country has aspired throughout its history.

The National Council calls upon lawmakers at all levels of government, as well as partisan activists, to put aside party politics, support the faithful civil servants working to administer our elections and demonstrate trust in the democratic process, no matter the outcome.

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ASPA is the leading interdisciplinary public service organization that advances the art, science, teaching and practice of public and nonprofit administration. Learn more at www.aspanet.org