Ben Hovland, a former commissioner and chair of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission during the 2020 and 2024 elections, says U.S. election administration is professional, transparent and governed by law. He rejects claims of widespread fraud and compromised equipment as inconsistent with the facts and long-standing procedures. Hovland urges voters to confirm registration, learn voting options, consider serving as poll workers and participate to strengthen democracy.
I Monitored Voting in 2020 and 2024 — Why U.S. Elections Deserve Our Trust
US President Donald Trump displays an executive order he signed cracking down on mail-in voting ahead of midterm elections in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 31, 2026. President Donald Trump on March 31 signed an order seeking to crack down on mail-in voting, escalating his push to restrict a popular way of casting ballots in US elections. Trump's executive order follows repeated attacks by the 79-year-old Republican on US elections, based on his disproven conspiracy theories about supposed cheating by his Democratic opponents. It was unclear whether Trump has authority to impose the measures and legal challenges were almost certain, with a possible final decision being left to the Supreme Court. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
I served more than seven years as a commissioner of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the only federal agency devoted exclusively to overseeing how elections are administered nationwide. My tenure included terms as the commission's chair during both the 2020 and 2024 presidential contests.
During that period I traveled extensively, meeting thousands of election officials and observing — up close — the procedures, safeguards and standards they follow to deliver accurate, transparent results.
Election Administration: Professional, Transparent, Accountable
Although each state runs elections under its own laws, certain fundamentals are true across the country: election officials are experienced public servants who follow state and federal requirements, and the system builds in transparency and multiple checks at every stage of the process.
Facts and evidence matter: the integrity of voters' choices depends on rigorous processes, not on social media claims or political rhetoric.
Exaggerated allegations about widespread noncitizen voting or claims that voting machines were broadly compromised do not match the evidence or the long-standing practices of election administration. Some actors and leaders have promoted narratives designed to sow doubt when results are unfavorable — but those narratives are not supported by the record of how elections are run and verified.
See for Yourself
Election administration is unusually open to public inspection. You can tour your local election office, attend pre-election equipment testing and observe post-election audits to see the checks that election officials use to confirm that every valid vote is counted. If you want a deeper perspective, consider serving as a poll worker — it is one of the best ways to understand and trust the process.
Practical Steps Every Voter Can Take
To vote with confidence:
- Confirm your voter registration is active and your address is current — tens of millions of Americans move every year, and up-to-date records make voting smoother for everyone.
- Learn your voting options (early in-person, mail ballot, or Election Day) and choose the method that fits your needs.
- Make a plan to vote and, if possible, get involved — volunteering as a poll worker or observer builds trust and strengthens election administration.
When misleading claims cause people to doubt the process, turnout can fall and bad-faith challenges to legitimate outcomes become more likely. That undermines the very foundation of self-government.
Democracy works best when people participate and respect the results. If you are unhappy with representation, vote to change it — participating at the ballot box is the most effective way to make your voice heard.
About the author: Ben Hovland is a senior fellow for democracy policy at the Center for American Progress. He previously served as a commissioner of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission from February 2019 through July 2026, including terms as the commission's chair during the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections.
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