Trustworthy Elections Workshop

Sedona News – Elections are the essence of the democratic process. However, for citizens to accept their outcomes, they must trust how the election was conducted. Unfortunately, many Americans no longer consider our elections trustworthy—for reasons that are deeply polarized. Conservatives worry more about voter fraud and vote-count security; progressives fear voter suppression and resistance to the transfer of power.

These matters, and more, will be addressed in a Trustworthy Elections workshop sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Northern AZ, to be held on Saturday, June 1st, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at which issues that arise at every step in the electoral process, from opening the polls to counting the votes, will be explored. Problematic points will be identified, and specific improvements will be proposed.The emphasis will be on finding common ground.

This workshop, facilitated by Paul Friedman, Ph.D., will be held at the Keep Sedona Beautiful building, 360 Brewer Rd. in Sedona. The facilitator, Paul Friedman, is a professor emeritus in the Communication Studies Department of the University of Kansas.  Since moving to Sedona, 20 years ago, he has been a popular facilitator at the Yavapai College Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and a volunteer community mediator.

Material recently released by three national organizations will be used. They are Living Room Conversations, Braver Angels, and the National Issues Forum–all concerned with increasing understanding and engagement among our divided electorate.

The League of Women Voters Northern Arizona (LWVNAZ) is a nonpartisan political organization open to all individuals. It encourages informed and active participation in government and works to influence public policy through education and advocacy. The program is free and everyone is welcome.