There’s been a lot of controversy in this country over the past few years about election integrity, and we often hear suggestions that election results are compromised. I’d like to raise readers’ awareness about election integrity. After the election last week, I had conversations with friends who had been poll workers in Washington County. In all cases they expressed awe and respect at the level of security, and they mentioned how hard it would be for someone to vote fraudulently. 

One friend noted impressive security measures–here are just a few: Ballots were delivered in pre-counted wrapped bundles inside sealed metal cases under lock and key, to be opened only by the polling site chairperson. During voting hours, unopened bundles were kept out of reach of voters. Any spoiled ballots, such as ones with a stray mark, were collected and carefully tallied and signed by all workers at the end of the day.

Also, at the end of the day, all unvoted ballots had to be accounted for. Voted ballots were sealed with special unique zip ties so the cases couldn’t be opened or re-sealed without detection. All poll workers had to stay in the polling area of the building from 6 am until the end of the day, finish all of the closing steps together, and leave at the same time. They weren't allowed to leave the site, even for lunch.  

Another poll worker said she’s always been impressed at how the computer count absolutely has to match the paper tallies, that every ballot is accounted for, and that everything is counted and recounted. 

A third friend worked with absentee ballots on the Absentee and Special Voters Board the day after the election. She said that the County Auditor's office and the Board count and sign off on the transfer of ballots (which means no one can slip a few extras in or out). Both major political parties are represented, and one worker from each party has to be with the ballots at all times; so that means the ballots are never left with two Republicans or two Democrats, or just one person. In addition, all of the poll workers sign off on everything. 

  The Iowa Secretary of State’s website has a page that lists eighteen election integrity facts vs. myths (Elections Security in Iowa). Here are a few of them: 

• Voting machines are not connected to the Internet, and county employees have no access to any election equipment.
• Hand counts may be subject to human error, but voting machines are certified, tested, and audited before and after the election to ensure accuracy. 
• Absentee voting requires a voter ID, just as the polls do. If a voter who has already cast an absentee ballot tries to vote at the polls, the poll worker will be alerted immediately.
• And the kicker for me, from our Secretary of State: “There is zero evidence of any unauthorized intrusions into Iowa’s election systems.” 

I hope I speak for all of us when I express admiration and gratitude to our poll workers who put in a 15-plus-hour day on Election Day or worked with absentee and provisional ballots the next day. More evidence of the integrity of our elections is that not only do they put in long hours and carry out a meticulous process with care, but as I can attest from experience, they decline to express their political opinions publicly. 

Hats off to our election workers, and I believe that our free, fair, and trustworthy elections are a reason to celebrate.