Letter to Editor: Democracy Doesn’t Run Itself

This past election season, I had the privilege of observing election workers perform their duties during primary voting, early voting, on election day, and during the last ballot canvass that took place last Thursday and Friday. From my perspective, election workers are the unsung heroes of the electoral process. They are ordinary citizens–young and old, from all walks of life–who take on an extraordinary public responsibility: ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in free, fair, and accessible elections.

Before they ever check in a voter, distribute a ballot, or participate in counting votes, Maryland election judges make a solemn commitment. They swear an oath to support the Constitution, to faithfully execute their duties, and administer their responsibilities “without partiality or prejudice.” While I observed the voting process during this election season, I saw election workers fulfill this oath with grace and professionalism. They patiently explained the process to voters who were confused, assisted voters who needed help physically and answered voters’ questions in a calm, neutral and friendly manner.

Because transparency and accountability are important features of democracy, Maryland law allows for the public to observe election workers perform their duties. But observation and scrutiny do not include attempts at harassment, intimidation, ridicule and scorn–some of which I witnessed during last week’s ballot canvassing sessions. Canvassing is an involved, meticulous process that includes many checks and balances prescribed by law. I was appalled that some members of the public–many of them well known leaders in the community—displayed a disgraceful lack of respect not only for the workers who were trying to do their jobs according to the regulations, but for the democratic process itself. Repeated challenges to the process (which is not subject to challenge), incessant talking, sneering, eyerolling, intrusive use of recording equipment, etc., created an environment that bordered on hostile.

A healthy democracy requires accountability. It does not require hostility.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t just happen in Talbot County. The 2026 Brennan Center survey of local election officials reported 32% of local election officials reported experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse because of their jobs. 14% reported experiencing threats and 52% were concerned about the safety of colleagues and staff. [Source: Brennan Center for Justice, April 13, 2026. National survey of local election officials.]

This is unacceptable.

We are fortunate to live in a country where representative democracy is still the law of the land, in all its messy, unwieldy glory. Is it a perfect system? Certainly not. It is the work of human hands and therefore inherently fallible. But the American experiment, which is still going strong after 250 years, is still the best example of government “of the people, by the people” that exists, and it is worth preserving.

We may disagree about a lot of things, including ideologies, candidates, policies and election outcomes. That’s to be expected in a nation where freedom of expression is lawfully protected. But we should be able to agree on one thing: The people who give their time to ensure that our elections are conducted fairly, accurately, and transparently deserve our appreciation and respect. They are our neighbors. They are our fellow citizens. And they are doing the work that keeps democracy alive.

Mary Pellicano

Letter to Editor: Democracy Doesn’t Run Itself

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