In Georgia and beyond, how election officials are working to mitigate distrust ahead of the midterms

Key Points:

• Election officials nationwide face significant challenges ahead of the midterms, including federal interference from the Trump administration, last-minute legal battles, threats to election workers, and widespread voter distrust fueled by unfounded claims of fraud.
• The Trump administration's efforts to question election integrity, including lawsuits and threats against election workers, have eroded trust between federal and state officials, complicating collaboration on election security and administration.
• County-level election officials are increasingly focused on transparency and safety, implementing measures such as active shooter training and law enforcement presence at polling sites to protect staff amid heightened partisan tensions.
• Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, notable for resisting pressure from Trump to overturn the 2020 election results, remains confident in the accuracy and security of the upcoming midterm vote count despite ongoing challenges.
• Claims by the Department of Homeland Security about widespread illegal voting, particularly involving noncitizens, have been largely debunked by state officials, highlighting deep mistrust and strained relations between federal and state election authorities.