COMBATTING EROSION OF VOTER CONFIDENCE WITH INNOVATION OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATION

This thesis explores how the training of poll workers in general, and their technology training specifically, could be improved to enhance the voter experience and increase voter confidence in the election process. To this end, interviews were conducted with poll-worker trainers from counties small and large, as well as a focus group convened to gain perspective on the training experience from first-time poll workers who served during the November 2020 presidential election. The interviews and focus groups showed that while significant effort goes into training poll workers, the average training amounts to less than four hours, and training for technology presents an increasing challenge to those delivering training and those using the technology or introducing it to the voter. Due to a high sense of civic duty and responsibility, poll workers showed significant interest and used extra time and training materials when made available. Therefore, this thesis recommends creating additional training materials, along with a program for recognizing those who take advantage of them. This additional training will raise poll-worker competency with procedures and technology, ultimately improving voter experiences at the polls and combating the erosion of voter confidence.Civilian, Idaho Secretary of StateApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited