Safeguarding Democracy: Why Education and Election Integrity Must Stay Nonpartisan

There are core roles and institutions in American society that should be safeguarded from elections regardless of the winning party. I'm speaking specifically about protections of educational and academic institutions and their staff at all levels that are intended to serve the wellbeing and development of a free, democratic public and as outlined in fundamental documents of the country. Without these protections, public education and the purpose it serves to enable a peaceful, democratic country that upholds the values of the Constitution are persistently at risk.

This concern also extends to the election systems themselves. Elections are not only about choosing leaders but about preserving the institutions that maintain a functioning democracy. When educational institutions are politicized or destabilized through electoral outcomes, the ripple effects can undermine civic literacy, voter engagement, and long-term democratic stability. It is not enough to run elections efficiently; election administrators must also be stewards of the democratic infrastructure that supports informed civic participation.

Protecting Nonpartisan Election Administration

One of the most pressing challenges for municipal-level election officials is protecting the nonpartisan integrity of election administration. Local election officials are often the front line in safeguarding democratic norms, yet they increasingly face political pressure from partisan actors. This is particularly concerning when elected officials attempt to influence the conduct of elections or the individuals who run them. Local boards of elections and election administrators should be appointed or hired based on professional qualifications, not political affiliation, to ensure impartiality and public trust.

Several states have taken steps to insulate election offices from political interference. For example, Colorado has codified professional standards for county clerks, including mandatory certification and training requirements that are managed by the Secretary of State’s office, not partisan bodies¹. These measures help ensure that elections are managed by professionals who understand election law, voting system security, and voter accessibility, rather than by individuals whose main qualification is political loyalty. Municipalities can adopt similar practices by requiring professional development for local election staff and by advocating for state-level reforms.

Safeguarding Democratic Education Through Election Policy

Election policy should reinforce, not erode, the civic mission of educational institutions. One practical way municipalities can promote democratic education is through policies that support voter registration and participation on high school and college campuses. For instance, some jurisdictions partner with local school districts to implement “pre-registration” programs for 16- and 17-year-olds, helping students become automatic voters once they turn 18². These programs not only increase youth turnout but reinforce the idea that voting is a civic responsibility tied to democratic education.

Municipal governments can also work with local colleges and universities to establish polling places on campus or provide early voting access points. Doing so not only improves access for young voters but also symbolically affirms the role of educational institutions in supporting democratic participation. Local election offices should prioritize outreach to these institutions, offering informational sessions, training for student poll workers, and materials tailored to first-time voters. These efforts help bridge the gap between democratic education and electoral pa