The more voters understand about the election process, the less fear and misinformation can spread. At the most basic level, that means clearly explaining the foundations of elections: How citizens can vote, what happens when they vote, and how votes are counted. Use online platforms to provide logistical information (such as where to vote) as well as to correct misinformation. Websites can also be used to help citizens track their absentee ballots.

Nearly every jurisdiction tests voting machines before elections. Yet state and local election officials can (and should) open such testing to the public, thus transparently showing the accuracy of the machines. Widely publicizing the testing is a great way to both engage journalists and blunt potential arguments from bad-faith actors seeking to undermine elections.

Security experts strongly advise states to use paper receipts to provide what is known as a voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT). Paper trails provide a tangible, secure, and transparent way to verify the accuracy of votes.

As more voters opt to cast their ballot early, some states have not adapted their laws to keep up with the increase in volume. Twelve states do not allow election officials to process mail-in ballots before election day, according to NCSL. The states that do not allow this, known as “pre-canvassing,” include key battleground states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

A post-election risk-limiting audit consists of election officials publicly hand-counting a sample of paper ballots to show the accuracy of the mechanical counting method used by the county. State legislators should require and adequately fund high-quality audits following elections, and Secretaries of States should do all they can to publicize the results.

Poll observers play a critical role in ensuring elections are administered fairly. Observers can alert precincts to issues as well as ensure election officials are not engaging in unlawful voter suppression efforts. In the lead-up to and on Election Day, election officials should view third-party observers as partners, not opponents. Observers operating in good faith have the same objectives as officials: To ensure a fair, safe election.

A month after the 2022 midterm election, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced to a group of NewDEAL Leaders that her first request of the state legislature in the next session would be a bill to make it a felony to threaten election workers or officials. State legislators should look at the laws on the books and determine if they are adequate for protecting election workers.

In the 2022 midterm election, Arizona saw an increase in vote intimidation by armed, masked vigilantes scouring secure drop-boxes and harassing voters. A federal judge and the Secretary of State made a concerted effort to address this issue by tightening security at polling locations and collaborating with law enforcement. Elected officials must work with prosecutors to ensure cases of election violence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to prevent the spread of such activity.

Following the 2020 election, then-President Trump attempted to pressure election officials in Georgia to “find” more than 11,000 votes in an attempt to nullify the will of voters. Policymakers should insulate election officials from partisan political pressure during certification. Possible solutions include creating an advisory board to help depoliticize election administration and certification.

It is not possible to convince everyone of the truth all the time. No matter how outlandish, some people will believe conspiracy theories touted by dishonest media outlets and shared on social media. But that is no reason to be silent. The goal is to make incremental progress when informing the public.

It is best to address falsehoods quickly and matter-of-factly. When countering the misinformation, use both social media and relationships with reporters. Many state officials are partnering with local officials and civic organizations to reach as many voters as possible with accurate information.

As elections are in the news more, election officials must become more comfortable with talking to reporters, ensuring they are a trusted source of information, so reporters can relay correct information in stories. Introduce yourself and ensure they have your contact information. Take the opportunity to explain how elections work in your state or locality.