1. Local Election Officials Went Above and Beyond

Local election officials (LEOs) worked tirelessly—often around the clock and with limited resources—to deliver accurate, secure, and timely elections under immense pressure. Their dedication was instrumental in ensuring a smooth process. Continued investment in election infrastructure and support is critical to maintain the trust and excellence they upheld in future elections.

“Local election administrators nationwide displayed incredible dedication, with many working 16-hour days for extended periods of time to ensure every ballot was processed accurately and timely. While they were successful, this gold standard level of accuracy, transparency and accessibility is not sustainable without lawmakers surging additional resources into election administration in 2025,” said Carolina Lopez, PLEJ Executive Director.

2. Public Trust in Results is Encouraging—but Fragile

Voters generally expressed satisfaction with the results, which helped foster trust in the process. However, this trust remains vulnerable to misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM), and may shift in future elections. Proactive communication and transparent operations will continue to be key tools for countering MDM and ensuring trust in our electoral system.

“We saw fewer calls questioning the electoral outcomes this year, but the need for transparency and education will be ever present,” Lopez observed. “While many voters thanked their dedicated local offices for a smooth process, a vocal minority continued to spread baseless doubts. Educating the public about how elections work remains a top priority in election administration.”

3. Behind-the-Scenes Improvements Still Needed

Even with strong public-facing operations, there is always room for improvement behind the scenes. Modernizing equipment, refining procedures, and strengthening coordination between jurisdictions are essential steps for building even greater efficiency and resilience.

“While equipment, procedures, and people worked well overall in 2024, there is an immediate need for improvement to ensure successful and transparent elections in future cycles. The elections community is already planning upgrades to ensure it is ready for 2026 and beyond,” noted Lopez. “We need to continually invest in election infrastructure to upgrade equipment, procedures, contingency planning, and the professionals who oversee them to preserve trust in elections,” shared Carolina Lopez, PLEJ Executive Director.

4. Strategic Adaptability and Collaboration

From stress-testing systems to troubleshooting real-time challenges, LEOs demonstrated remarkable adaptability. Peer networks and collaboration between jurisdictions played a vital role in addressing common issues and sharing best practices—a testament to the power of professional community support.

“Local election offices across the country participated in a series of tabletop exercises (mock election exercises and contingency-planning scenarios) with other counties and agencies ahead of November to stress test their contingency plans—and this was vital to enhance procedures, address gaps, and ensure they were ready; and they were,” explained Lopez.

5. Enhancing the Voter Experience

Efforts to reduce wait times, improve accessibility, and provide clearer voter education materials paid off, creating a smoother and more positive experience for voters. These efforts not only build public confidence but also highlight the importance of prioritizing voter-centric improvements in future cycles.

“Many jurisdictions rolled out new technology to enhance the voter experience—whether it was reducing wait times, improving accessibility, or providing clearer voter education materials,” shared Lopez. “This investment in innovation delivered results for voters. From setting up mobile voting centers in hurricane-impacted areas, to artificial intelligence to improve community engagement, and early voting appointment systems, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.”

6. Investments are Essential for the Road Ahead

To meet the demands of evolving election laws, changing technology, and potential turnover in personnel, sustained and strategic investment in elections is more important than ever. Future success depends on a collective commitment to strengthening the infrastructure, processes, and resources that make elections work.

“With significant election law changes already passed in the days after the 2024 General Election and more planned by some state lawmakers for 2025, we will need additional training and resources to ensure a smooth transition,” emphasized Lopez. “New legislation necessitates a significant time and money: first to review the policy; then to make the necessary changes to make way for a successful implementation; and finally to educate voters of the changes (while keeping up with daily operations). There are no shortcuts to successful elections.”

7. Transparency Builds Public Confidence

In an age of heightened scrutiny, open communication with the public and media about how elections are run remains a cornerstone of building trust. Transparency, coupled with real-time updates during the election process, reassures voters and helps counter misinformation.

“Posting interactive dashboards, live updates on social media, and contingency planning for real-time website updates were a game-changer. They enhanced reporting systems, streamlined workflows, and improved communication within election offices and the general public (even amidst scrutiny or misinformation). Transparency builds trust. Voters demand and deserve it,” said Lopez.