Ask an Expert: Elections

Rob Rock is the Deputy Secretary of State for Rhode Island, a passionate elections-enthusiast, and our guest speaker for RCC’s November meeting “Elect-ric Buzz.” He’s also been involved in elections management in Rhode Island for 20 years! In case you missed his excellent presentation in person, check out the get the gist of it below (and you can see the slides here). For more in-depth information, definitely take a look at those slides, and get in touch with the state house if you have any questions or concerns in the future. And hey—come to our next meeting! Don’t miss these any more of these great presentations with good people. Sign up to stay in the know.

And now—Rob Rock everybody!

How did you become interested in elections?

I was an intern in the communications office at the Department of State in the summer of 2005. Once the other interns went back to school (I had already graduated), I accepted an offer to stay onboard as an intern in the Elections Division to finish a scanning project. After about two months, a full-time employee left for another job and they offered me her position. 2006 was my first election and that is when I fell in love with elections administration. Not only were there several high-profile races (US Senate and Governor), but I got to learn the ropes from one of the most respected election officials in the state, Elections Director Jan Ruggiero.  

In your opinion, why are elections so important to our country?

When the United States Constitution was first drafted, it left the question of voter eligibility to the individual states. As a result, many people lived under laws created by officials they had no voice in choosing. Only through the adoption of constitutional amendments did voting rights extend to more Americans.

Today, voting stands as a right, a privilege, and an important civic responsibility - one that was not always guaranteed to everyone. Casting a ballot is the clearest way to make your voice heard. While citizens rarely possess direct decision-making power, they shape the future by choosing the leaders who do.

Administering safe and secure elections is the cornerstone of trust in government.

What’s the most surprising thing about how elections function, something someone might not know or expect?

That elections administration happens every day. Election officials across the country work to make elections safe and secure all year long, even in years when there are no elections. Voter list maintenance, voter education, legislative initiatives that improve elections administration, and poll worker recruitment are just a few examples of what happens every day to ensure that voters have access to the ballot box.

What are some concerns you have for the future of elections?

One of our greatest challenges as election administrators is ensuring that voters receive clear and accurate information about election processes. I firmly believe that the more people understand how elections function, the greater their confidence will be in the outcomes. 

To build that understanding, we must meet voters where they are - at community events, in parades, on college and high-school campuses, in places of worship, and throughout the spaces where they naturally gather. Listening to voters’ concerns is essential to strengthening trust in our elections.

Election administrators must remain accessible, ready to answer questions, and committed to dispelling misinformation. Transparency and open dialogue are the most powerful tools we have to foster faith in the democratic process.

What if anything is being done to mitigate these concerns?

Our office is out in the community meeting with voters and discussing their concerns. We held several election information forums where we would answer every voter question/concern.

If people took away one thing after talking with you about elections, what would the most important thing be?

For nearly every election concern one might imagine, there exists a remedy, a procedure, a law, a regulation, or a policy designed to address it. While these solutions may not always be perfect, each one plays an essential role in safeguarding the integrity of the process. At the heart of it all, election administrators are committed to ensuring that every election is conducted safely, securely, and with the utmost dedication to public trust.

How can regular folks get involved with elections? 

First and foremost, vote! Equally as impactful is volunteering to be a poll worker. All 39 cities and towns seek engaged voters to be poll workers. It is the most important job when ensuring a smooth election. Other ways to get involved are testify for or against legislation, run for office, or volunteer for a candidate or campaign.