PNºB Episode 35

Summary

This note summarizes a podcast interview with Wendy Link, the Supervisor of Elections for Palm Beach County. The discussion covers her background, the responsibilities of her office, challenges faced (especially in 2019 with outdated equipment and processes), measures taken to ensure election security and integrity, efforts to increase voter engagement, and advice for aspiring election officials. A key focus is on the logistical complexities of managing elections in a large, diverse county like Palm Beach, the importance of accurate information, and continuous improvement through post-election analysis.

Key topics

• Wendy Link's Background: Born and raised in Palm Beach County, attended UNC Chapel Hill and Duke Law School, practiced business law in California and Florida before being appointed Supervisor of Elections in 2019.

• Family Involvement: Her family, particularly her father, has a strong history of community involvement, with both Link and her father having chaired the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and the Economic Council.

• Supervisor of Elections Responsibilities:

  • Voter registration and maintaining voter rolls.

  • Recruiting and training poll workers.

  • Securing polling locations.

  • Logistics for equipment and ballot transportation.

  • Purchasing and maintaining technology, including cybersecurity.

  • Ensuring vote accuracy, timely results, and post-election audits.

• Challenges and Overcoming Them (2019):

  • Inherited an office with outdated equipment and procedures following a difficult 2018 election with recounts.

  • Implemented new voting equipment and updated the voter registration database for enhanced cybersecurity and safety, particularly crucial before the 2020 presidential election.

• Election Budgeting: The office submits budget proposals to the county, which are subject to review and negotiation. The budget is cyclical, increasing in election years and potentially decreasing in non-election years, as demonstrated by a significant decrease in the current presidential election cycle due to prior investments in equipment and facilities.

• Election Security:

  • Cybersecurity: Investment in programs, database protections, and physical security (e.g., badge access to secure areas).

  • Vote-by-Mail Security: Requires specific information (name, DOB, address, last four of SSN or FL ID) to request a ballot. Voters are encouraged to track their ballots.

  • Transmission of Votes: Results are transmitted from tabulators via private, secure, and encrypted modems. Physical "results tapes" are printed at polling locations, publicly posted, and then compared with transmitted results to ensure accuracy. Florida's paper ballot system allows for re-tabulation if discrepancies occur.

  • Transparency: Public forums for ballot processing, tabulation, and recounts are announced, allowing public observation.

• Logistical Challenges in Palm Beach County: The county is geographically vast (larger than Delaware and Rhode Island), posing challenges for:

  • Finding numerous polling locations.

  • Managing complex truck routes for equipment delivery and retrieval.

  • Recruiting and training poll workers across diverse geographic areas.

• Achievements and Innovations:

  • Became an "award-winning office" through continuous improvement, focusing on safety, security, transparency, and voter experience.

  • Early Voting Appointments: Pioneered a system for voters to schedule early voting appointments, leading to high appointment adherence (95%+). This benefits elderly, disabled, and busy professionals.

  • Prepaid Postage for Mail-in Ballots: Implemented prepaid postage to make returning ballots easier, speed up processing, and allow more time to address signature discrepancies.

• Voter Engagement and Outreach:

  • Extensive voter outreach and education efforts, including 1,600+ hours this year.

  • Promoting three voting options: mail, early in-person, and Election Day in-person.

  • Increased early voting locations and hours (7 AM - 7 PM).

  • Increased poll workers at locations to expedite lines.

  • Providing laminated sample ballots to voters in line to reduce voting time.

• Team Structure:

  • Approximately 84 permanent full-time staff.

  • Around 200 temporary staff during election periods.

  • Over 5,000 poll workers (paid employees) on Election Day, requiring extensive payroll and training.

  • Departments include Voter Services, Vote-by-Mail, and IT for cybersecurity.

• Inter-agency Partnerships:

  • Federal/State: Works closely with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, State Cyber Navigators, Department of State, and Division of Elections for consistent election practices.

  • County: Collaborates with County Commission, Administrator, Sheriff's Department, Tax Collector, and Property Appraiser for various initiatives, including information dissemination and facility sharing.

• Post-Election Process:

  • November 6th involves processing provisional ballots, resolving signature discrepancies (voters have until Thursday at 5 PM), and preparing for potential recounts.

  • The process extends for about 10 days post-election to account for military and overseas ballots (postmarked by Election Day, but 10 days to arrive).

  • Extensive reporting to state and federal governments follows.

• Future of Elections and Technology:

  • Exploration of technologies like biometrics (thumbprints, iris scans) for security, but balancing with voter confidentiality (secret ballot principle).

  • Mobile phone voting exists in other countries but raises security and confidentiality concerns in the US context.

• Advice for Aspiring Election Officials:

  • Patience and energy.

  • Engage early in the process (e.g., internships, becoming a poll worker).

  • Understand the voting process to identify areas for improvement.

• Community Support:

  • Need for more qualified poll workers; businesses encouraged to "adopt a precinct" or encourage one employee to serve.

  • Help disseminate accurate information and promote voter awareness.

  • Businesses encouraged to allow employees time off to vote.

  • The office offers voter registration drives for companies.

• Key Message for Palm Beach County Voters (Nov 5th Election):

  • Check Polling Location: Locations change frequently due to various reasons (amendments, gated community policies).

  • Bring ID: Photo and signature ID required (various forms accepted, listed on website). Provisional ballots issued if no ID.

  • Review Ballot in Advance: Ballots are lengthy (up to 19 races + 7 questions), reviewing beforehand helps reduce line times.

  • Information Sources: Visit votepalmbeach.gov, call 561-656-6200, or email info@votepalmbeach.gov for accurate information. Official election mail should not be discarded.