Opinion: When it comes to sharing thoughts on elections, maybe asking questions is best

When it comes to sharing thoughts or concerns about upcoming elections with people close to us, we often avoid discussing them out of fear of misunderstandings or unwanted tension. Perhaps a tone of curiosity might be a better way to strike up those conversations, writes Donna Kallner of The Daily Yonder. 

"We might even find we’re not quite as divided as we think on some things," Kallner adds. "We are probably in agreement on the fundamental question, Do you want free and fair elections? I get that we are far apart on the specifics of how to ensure those. But maybe we could at least acknowledge that we have this one important Yes in common." To help everyone stay level-headed, Kallner suggests using election-oriented questions to start meaningful conversations. A few of her questions are shared below. 

What personal experiences helped form your opinions about elections? Kallner writes, "Frankly, voters get far more prompting to amplify someone else’s messages than to tell their own stories. So let’s ask each other about them – not who we voted for but what it looked like when we voted and what that means. . ."

What personal connections do you have with people who conduct elections? Since many rural families still live close to each other, friends or neighbors will often know someone who worked at an election or as an election official. What was their role? What did they say about the experience?

How long do you think it should take to declare the winner of an election? Sometimes, final election results take longer than many people would like, so Kallner suggests asking, "What legitimate reasons might there be for certifying election results to take longer? . . . What conditions do you think should apply to compel a recount? "

Have you attended a public test of voting machines? "In Wisconsin, where I live, a public test is conducted before each election. Anyone can attend. Few do," Kallner writes. "But it’s a great time to ask questions like: Is this machine connected to the internet? What happens if it runs out of paper or jams? . . . What checks and balances are in place to ensure that each ballot is counted and secured in case it’s needed for a recount or audit?"

What would you do? "A 2024 survey of local election officials found that more than one-third have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse specifically because of their job," Kallner writes. Asking people to set boundaries by asking questions can help: "What behaviors would you consider threatening if they were directed at a family member working the polls here? What would you do if you witnessed that behavior? What do you think might be done to moderate the potential for that kind of behavior?"