In the midst of a global pandemic and questions of election security, two students at the University of Minnesota Duluth are taking on roles as election judges in Duluth during the 2020 general election.

UMD political science students Amber Fleck and Jenna Podgornik decided they could play a role in ensuring a safe and secure voting experience in Duluth. Election judges work, in part, to safely and securely carry out polling at their precinct.

“Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in the voting place on election day,” the City of Duluth’s website describes the position. “Election judges are trained to handle all aspects of voting at the polling place.”

This year, however, a global pandemic and questions about voting fraud means “all aspects” carries a heavier burden.

A Chance to Serve

Podgornik first considered taking on this position after receiving an email from one of her political science professors.

“I thought it sounded really interesting [to be] a part of the process,” Podgornik said.

This November will be Podgornik’s third time as an election judge, while Fleck is on her fourth time.

The experience alone is enough to keep bringing the pair back. Although election judges are compensated for their time, both Fleck and Podgornik said they would do it regardless of payment.

Anyone can serve as an election judge in Duluth, as long as they meet basic qualifications such as hold American citizenship —  be able to read, write and speak English —  and be eligible, but not necessarily registered, to vote in Minnesota.

Each of the city’s 34 polling stations are staffed by four to six judges.

“It gives me a chance to understand and learn hands-on about the voting process while helping out my community,” Fleck said. “It is a fun way to learn about elections while meeting new people too.”

An Ongoing Global Pandemic

It comes as no surprise that this year’s election will look different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With social distancing guidelines in place and masks required at the polls, both Fleck and Podgornik expect to see fewer people out on election day. Fleck guessed it could be half of what she’s seen before.

Though the majority of Duluth’s City Hall is open to the public by appointment only, the building is currently operating as a polling station for citizens wishing to vote early. Voting stations are laid out six feet apart with physical barriers and require sanitization between every voter.

Minnesota allows voters to register on a walk-in basis at the poll on election day. Though the process only takes a few minutes, Podgornik hopes that, in an effort to keep crowding down at the polls, more people will register to vote ahead of time.

Regardless of the physical turnout, Podgornik offered assurance that proper precautions are being taken to protect “both the voter and ensure the safety of … the judges.”

While standing in lines and waiting may be tough for some, Fleck offered a stark reminder to voters: “This election will be different,” she said, wanting to remind voters of the importance of patience and respect for election judges and “other eager voters as well.”

Questions Circulate on Election Security

With an expected dip in in-person votes comes concern for voting security and an increased risk of uncounted votes.

As President Trump and other top officials repeatedly criticize the feasibility of mail-in voting, questions have arisen surrounding the proper way to conduct a viable election.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has recently implemented plans for 2020 election security, but there is still the added pressure to election officials to keep votes safe.

Fleck is not concerned about the legitimacy of mail-in votes, citing the long history of absentee ballots.

“Absentee voting has been around since the late 1800s,” Fleck said. “Election judges … and those who work with ballots at City Hall are trained and knowledgeable about the procedures and duties of counting absentee ballots.”

Podgornik mirrored Fleck’s thoughts, noting that she had already voted by mail.

“I can personally attest to the knowledge and care that the City Clerk’s Office provides to creating an honest environment … for both [voting] in-person but also via mail,” Podgornik said.

Minnesota, a state with the highest voter turnout in every presidential election since 1988, has already seen a stark increase in votes by mail.

The city of Duluth has collected 4,500 mail-in votes as of Oct. 6, with a total of 20,000 requested citywide, KBJR reported. “Relatively few” ballots were invalidated statewide in Minnesota’s August primary, according to the Star Tribune.

The New York Times considered instances of voting fraud in the United States as a whole to be “extremely rare.”

In the midst of an election that is surrounded by so much controversy, Fleck and Podgornik offer examples of citizens doing their part to contribute to the democratic voting process by helping to secure a safe election.