Key Facts

• The article describes local election officials as responsible for tasks such as checking registrations, securing ballots, counting votes and investigating discrepancies.
• The authors say election officials work across party lines and must administer elections according to the law.
• The authors warn that false claims about election integrity may circulate before the 2026 midterm elections.
• The article says election officials have a legal duty to certify results after required canvassing and verification.
• The authors say certification is not a political judgment and does not prevent audits, recounts or legal challenges.
• The article states that these election-dispute procedures are established by state law.
• The authors cite statements by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency directors after the 2020 and 2024 elections in support of election security and local officials.