New Report Highlights Urgent Need for Enhanced Election Administrator Funding

Increasing Support for Election Administrators: A Crucial Call for Action



In a groundbreaking report released on June 18, 2025, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate have uncovered alarming deficiencies in the funding and resources available to local election administrators. The report, titled Bolstering Funding and Practices for Resilient Elections: Sustainable Funding and Models of Success at the State and Local Level, illustrates the pressing need for better financial support and strategic improvements within the electoral system.

The Challenge of Underfunding



At the core of the findings is the assertion that local election administrators consistently operate with minimal funding, insufficient staffing, and outdated technology. These challenges not only hamper their ability to conduct free and fair elections but also contribute to a broader decline in public trust concerning the integrity of voting outcomes. Tammy Patrick, a senior advisor to the Bolstering Elections Initiative, emphasized the need to draw attention to the hard work and dedication of election professionals, who are crucial in the electoral process yet often work under severe constraints.

For many election administrators, the added pressure of high public scrutiny amid a landscape of diminishing confidence in electoral systems makes it imperative that they be equipped with adequate resources. Patrick asserts, “Administrators across the political spectrum should be well-supported with the tools necessary for transparent and trustworthy elections.” This sentiment underscores the importance of making election administration a non-partisan issue, focusing instead on the shared goal of ensuring democracy functions effectively.

Key Insights from the Report



The report underscores several critical insights:

  • - Funding Sources: Local governments are responsible for about 85% of election administration costs, yet public perception often overestimates the financial burden borne by federal and state governments.
  • - Budget Allocation: The financial commitment to election support represents a mere 0.5% of most local governments' total budgets, raising questions about prioritization and resource distribution.
  • - Resource Shortages: Many election offices, particularly in rural areas, struggle with staff shortages and outdated technology, which diminish their operational efficiency.
  • - Episodic Funding Models: The current system for federal funding allocation tends to react to crises—such as the 2000 Florida recount or challenges posed by COVID-19—rather than establishing a stable, ongoing revenue stream for election operations. This unpredictable funding landscape further complicates the ability for election administrators to plan and execute their tasks effectively.
  • - Diverse Approaches: While some states have implemented innovative funding models, these practices are not uniform across the nation, highlighting the need for broader adoption of successful strategies.

A Path Forward: Collaborative Solutions



Acknowledging the long-standing bipartisan collaboration exemplified by Senators Bob Dole and Ted Kennedy, the report calls for enhanced cooperation among policymakers to build a robust election infrastructure. Dole Institute director Audrey Coleman remarked that the report honors the legacy of bipartisan leadership in tackling the common issues of voting rights and governance respect.

Furthermore, Kennedy Institute CEO Adam Hinds echoed the sentiment that elections are secure yet underfunded. Hinds stated, “We need to ensure the foundations of our democracy are strong, starting with bolstering our election infrastructure.” This call to action is pivotal as the nation moves towards more crucial electoral cycles, where public confidence in voting systems is paramount.

The findings of this urgent report have prompted a collective response from numerous experts and practitioners who convened to discuss the implications and recommend a strategic plan aimed at catalyzing necessary reforms. With the mounting evidence presented, the hope is that decision-makers will heed the call for increased investment in electoral processes, thus safeguarding the future of American democracy.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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