In recent years, the United States has seen a significant increase in turnover among local election officials, reaching the highest rate in at least 25 years. According to a new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center, about 2 in 5 local officials who managed the 2020 election left their positions before the 2024 election cycle. This alarming trend, detailed in research released on August 20, 2025, highlights the growing pressures faced by election workers, including harassment, burnout, and insufficient funding.
A Growing Trend in Turnover
The Bipartisan Policy Center’s Elections Project, led by Rachel Orey in collaboration with UCLA researchers Joshua Ferrer and Daniel Thompson, analyzed data from over 18,000 election officials across more than 6,000 jurisdictions. Their findings show that turnover among election officials has been rising for two decades, but the events following the 2020 presidential election dramatically accelerated this trend. From a turnover rate of 28% in 2004, the rate climbed to 39% in 2022 and reached a record 41% in 2024.
This high turnover is particularly noticeable in large jurisdictions, where misinformation about voting processes has been especially intense. Orey compares the situation to a “canary in the coal mine,” signaling deeper, structural issues in how U.S. elections are conducted. One major problem is chronic underfunding. A survey by the Brennan Center for Justice found that 1 in 5 election officials had a budget request denied, and 4 in 5 expressed concern about recent federal cuts to election security funding.
Challenges Facing Election Officials
Since the 2020 election, election officials have faced unprecedented challenges. False claims about voter fraud, amplified by former President Donald Trump and his supporters, have led to increased harassment and threats against election workers. This hostile environment has contributed to burnout, pushing many experienced officials to leave their roles. Additionally, the spread of misinformation has fueled an ongoing “information war” about election processes, which continues to undermine public trust.
On August 18, 2025, President Trump made several false claims about elections and announced plans for an executive order to ban mail-in voting and the use of voting machines. Legal experts, including UCLA’s Rick Hasen, argue that such actions would likely be unconstitutional. However, even if blocked by courts, these efforts could further erode confidence in the election system and create opportunities for future challenges. Hasen warns that this rhetoric poses a “real danger” to the integrity of upcoming midterm elections.
Impacts and Responses
Despite these challenges, the 2024 election was considered a success, with nearly 90% of voters surveyed reporting that it was well-run. This achievement reflects the resilience of election officials, who have worked to adapt to the turnover crisis. Orey notes that election offices have developed new recruitment pipelines and improved training programs to ensure that new officials are well-prepared. The research also shows that about 60% of replacement officials have prior election experience, and nearly 80% have worked in government roles, which helps maintain institutional knowledge.
However, the combination of funding shortages, harassment, and misinformation continues to strain the system. The recent $67 million settlement between Newsmax and Dominion Voting Systems over false 2020 election coverage underscores the real-world consequences of misinformation. As election officials prepare for the 2026 midterms, addressing these systemic issues—through increased funding, better security, and efforts to combat misinformation—will be critical to ensuring fair and efficient elections.
Looking Ahead
The record turnover among election officials is a warning sign that the U.S. election system is under stress. While officials have shown remarkable dedication in maintaining fair elections, the challenges they face are unlikely to disappear without significant reforms. By investing in election infrastructure, protecting workers from harassment, and promoting accurate information, the nation can support the people who keep democracy running.