What it Takes: Counting votes

I have lived through two Presidential elections, but this is the first one that I will know anything about. This month I agreed to learn and write about the election taking place on November 3. I'm already learning more than I thought I could imagine.

Just last night, I saw a mail-in ballot for the first time. Let me tell you, it was not very simple. There are many names, and each candidate stands for something different. Voting is a big responsibility, especially in knowing who to vote for. I should that legal voting age 18 years old. Looks like there will be two more elections before I am finally able to vote.

This week I visited Eddy County Auditor Patty Williams and talked a little bit about the upcoming election. If there is anyone who knows how to manage an election it is Patty. As County Auditor, she is responsible for administering state election laws, rules and regulations. Patty also trains election workers and prepares, distributes and counts the ballots. Her job is about as easy as a war general. She has very strict rules to follow as defined by the North Dakota Century Code.

When asked why voting is important Patty said, "Everybody's voice can be heard."

Her comment makes me think of the Athenians of ancient Greece. They are credited with inventing democracy. Within the Athenian democracy voters picked a name out of a hat or container, and the person who was picked would serve for a year.

They could also vote someone out for being corrupt or remaining in office for too long. Athenians voted on everything from taxes to executions. Here in the United States, we elect people who are responsible for various governmental functions.

Patty was first elected as the county auditor in 2016, and one thing she accomplished was implementing a vote-by-mail system for the 2016 election. She says that she received complaints at first, but people eventually accepted the change. Having mail-in voting already in place sure was handy this year, as people are less likely to go out due to COVID-19.

Patty says 973 ballots have been sent out this year and as of Tuesday, October 20, 524 of those ballots have been returned. Patty says she has heard many voters say they like being able to complete their ballot at home. This makes sense, as it is much easier to research candidates. On B3 of the County Extra is a sample ballot to help voters understand their options. All mail-in ballots must be postmarked by November 2. A drop box is available at the Eddy County Courthouse during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November 2.

In-person voting will be available to all of Eddy County's 1,364 active voters on Tuesday, November 3 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Brown Memorial located in New Rockford. Poll workers will be wearing face masks and shields to ensure a safe environment.

This Tuesday Patty and the poll workers will be testing the voting equipment. This ensures that everything is functioning and able to use before the election. I've been invited to join the county auditor that day, and am looking forward to sharing that experience with you in next week's edition.