I first learned about the Election Protection Program at a community meeting in the fall of 2024. A local resident involved in the program explained its importance to communities regardless of political affiliation. The program trains citizens to observe election procedures and better understand how ballots are processed and counted.

The training, developed by organizations working at the state level, explained the prescribed steps counties follow when processing ballots and determining election results. Presented via Zoom, the training was accessible to participants throughout Oregon. I recently completed the training again and learned that more than 400 people in Oregon had been trained as Election Protection observers.

I was assigned a shift observing ballot processing inside the Josephine County Clerk’s office. During my shift, I watched ballots move through the process: signature verification, machine opening of ballot envelopes, sorting, and finally tabulation. Procedures for observing ballot processing vary by county; in some locations, observers monitor the process by camera from another area of the building.

I appreciated the opportunity to observe the process firsthand and see how election procedures are carried out.

The Clerk’s office has clearly designated work areas, and the people processing ballots include volunteers, many of whom have served for years. I was impressed by the orderly workflow and the care with which workers performed their assigned tasks.

At the end of my shift, I reported my observations to the program coordinator. What I witnessed was a systematic process carried out by people dedicated to processing the ballots cast by Josephine County voters.

Participating in Election Protection gave me a better understanding of the work involved in administering elections. Regardless of our political affiliations, we share an interest in elections that are conducted according to established procedures, with transparency and accountability. Observing the process firsthand was a valuable reminder that public confidence in elections depends in part on clear procedures, careful work, and informed citizens.