Counting Votes, Facing Threats: What It's Like to Run an Election

There are people in communities big and small around the country who dedicate their working lives to making sure that if you’re an eligible voter, you get to cast a ballot.   And their vital role in American democracy has gotten much harder in the last few years.  Audie talks with Defiance County, Ohio Board of Elections director Tonya Wichman and Pennsylvania’s Secretary of the Commonwealth, Al Schmidt, about how they have experienced increased scrutiny, how they built dealing with harassment into their day-to-day work, and why they still do the job as many others in the field – fed up with fear – have walked away.  Share your thoughts or questions with us – we'd love to hear from you! Text or leave a voicemail at 202-854-8802. We may use your note in a future episode of the show.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Each week on The Assignment, host Audie Cornish pulls listeners out of their digital echo chambers to hear from the people whose lives intersect with the news cycle. From the sex work economy to the battle over what’s taught in classrooms, no topic is off the table. Listen to The Assignment every Monday and Thursday.