Departments In Depth: The Orange County Voter Registration and Elections Department
By Ellen Coyne, Communications Department Intern
The Orange County Voter Registration and Elections Department works tirelessly to ensure transparency and efficiency during each election season. Virginia is always in an election cycle, and Donna Harpold, the Director of Elections and General Registrar for Orange County, knows how to keep the department working like a well - oiled machine. Harpold and her department are determined to ensure a secure and well - run election. During election season, Harpold said, “ Voter registration picks up, and the election becomes an event with many wheels turning all the time. We have no idea how many people will vote, and we must be prepared for everyone to show up, even if they aren ’ t going to. ” To prepare for election season, the Voter Registration and Elections Department hires Election Officers as volunteers. The volunteers must be registered voters and may not hold elected office. The Election Officers were essential during last year ’ s elections due to the challenges presented by the COVID - 19 pandemic. Harpold would like the community to know that the Voter Registration and Elections Department guarantees full transparency about the election process. “ If people want to call and ask questions, we will answer questions. The state also developed an election integrity campaign to help address any questions that citizens might have. ” Although the planning and the transparency of the elections is a large part of the job, another crucial role is encouraging Orange County citizens to vote in every election. “ Some of our Orange County races were very close, and we have had recounts as close as 50 votes, ” said Harpold. “ Local - level elections are very important. The state does pass laws, but the execution occurs at the local level. ”
As another election year comes to an end, Harpold reflected on her Department ’ s perseverance and work ethic. “ As hard as it can be at times, our department always gets through it, and after it ’ s all said and done, we can take a deep breath and look at our contribution to the community. I also have hard - working employees that help me every day. Bridget Joyce is our Elections Manager, and Kayla Conley is our part - time employee. I could not do what I do without them. ” To register to vote, visit elections.virginia.gov. You can also register at DMV. To register in person, come in to the office, located at 146 N. Madison Road, Suite 204 Orange.
Email vote@orangecountyva.gov to be an election official!
Page 11 | December, 2021
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