This year twenty-seven states will elect secretaries of state, the most important position in state government you may never have heard of. The focus on these races will be intense because of a recent spate of changes to state election laws, and because in most states it is the secretary of state who oversees elections and the implementation of the new laws.
Free and fair elections have been the pillar of our democracy since it was founded. Now that fundamental right is threatened. In the past two years nineteen states have passed laws that impede citizens’ right to vote. These new laws shorten early voting periods, limit the number of polling places and ballot drop-boxes, make it harder to cast absentee ballots, and forbid Sunday voting.
These draconian changes affect all voters from all parties. The elderly may find it hard to stand in long lines for many hours to vote, when before they had options such as early voting, drop boxes and mail-in ballots. Rural residents, inner-city voters, working people – all are affected by this swift and drastic curtailing of voting options.
Our democracy demands that voting be a fundamental right, as important as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We can enjoy none of these fundamental rights without the right of self-governance – of the people, by the people and for the people, without fear or favor.
This crisis is upon us. We cannot wait. The next national elections are on November 8. Primary season has already begun. If we don’t act, and act now, our democracy may perish.
In most states, elections are overseen by Secretaries of State. These men and women are charged with making sure our elections are free and fair. It is critically important that we work to elect the best, the fairest and the least partisan people to serve in this vital role.
The following are the five most competitive 2022 Secretary of State races, where the polling numbers are close and fluid and public interest is intense. If you live in one of these states, your efforts to ensure everyone who can vote in your state does vote, is especially important.
The five high-profile races overviews are followed by the same Secretary of State primary information for all the states holding Secretary of State elections this year. These overviews include primary election dates and candidates from all parties. This information will be updated regularly.
If you have questions, ask an Auntie. She’ll probably tell you to sit your fanny down and study up on your state’s SOS candidates.
It’s your vote. Use it!!
Secretaries of State around the country have been asked to step in after votes have been cast and change the outcome of elections.
The Aunties Coalition has developed a list of six questions you can ask candidates to find out if they are committed to free and fair elections:
- What have you done and what will you do, as Secretary of State to expand the right to vote?
- What do you think about the principle of one person, one vote and what have you done to protect it? What will you do to protect it if elected?
- Do you know what Jim Crow laws are?
- Do you think ex-offenders should regain their right to vote after they have served their time?
- Do you think that legislators or any state official should be able to overturn election results?
- What position did you take on the legitimacy of the last election?
The Aunties Coalition 