Ex-teacher Amy Rolfes guides locals to enhance election security
Amy Rolfes, a relatively new government official, noticed something amiss when a batch of ballot petitions arrived at her office. Upon closer examination, Rolfes and her team discovered numerous issues with the petition pages, which were meant to secure a spot for long-shot Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips on the Indiana ballot.
Last month, it was revealed that out of over 500 signatures, only 19 were valid, indicating a shocking case of ballot petition fraud. St. Joseph County elections officials meticulously reviewed each page, comparing names, birth dates, addresses, and penmanship to the statewide voter registration system.
The clerk expressed her concerns, stating, “Curiously, there were addresses that simply did not exist. The streets did, but not the house numbers. We would look through and compare the signatures but there was nothing like them in the statewide system.”
Despite the challenges, Rolfes remained determined, exclaiming, “That’s not valid. That’s not valid!” The meticulous review process undertaken by Rolfes and her team highlights the importance of attention to detail and adherence to the law in every election.
An Educator’s Life
Amy Rolfes’ professional background in education and nonprofit work may seem unrelated to her current role as St. Joseph County clerk. However, her experience running a child care center and a nonprofit literacy center equipped her with valuable skills in managing people and operations.
Rolfes, who describes herself as “not your typical politician,” took on the role of St. Joseph County clerk after being approached by the local Republican Party. She saw it as an opportunity to address election integrity issues, particularly in light of previous violations by the former Democrat County Clerk.
Her commitment to election security is evident in her actions. Shortly after assuming office, Rolfes enrolled in the Certification in Election Administration, Technology, and Security (CEATS) program at Ball State University. She believes that following election code correctly is crucial and has made it a priority in her role as clerk.
‘Focused on Election Security’
Rolfes’ dedication to election security resonated with voters, leading to her election as the first Republican to hold the office of St. Joseph County clerk. Her focus on election integrity comes at a time when national concerns about the subject are high.
While some may view her background in education and nonprofit work as unrelated to her current role, Rolfes believes that leadership and the ability to bring out the best in people are universal skills. She credits her team of over 50 employees, including Chief Deputy Clerk Trisha Carrico and elections clerk Kim Riskovitch, for their role in maintaining election integrity.
Rolfes has faced criticism during her time in office, particularly for firing absentee voting supervisors who repeatedly failed to follow voting procedures. Despite the backlash, she remains steadfast in her commitment to election integrity and believes that election administrators must fulfill their responsibilities to uncover instances of election fraud.
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How can election officials like Amy Rolfes ensure fair and transparent elections while minimizing instances of fraud and maintaining the integrity of the process
As a lifelong learner, believes that her background in education has prepared her for the challenges and responsibilities of her current position. She understands the importance of attention to detail, organization, and effective communication in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
In her role as St. Joseph County clerk, Rolfes is responsible for overseeing elections and ensuring that all candidates meet the necessary requirements to appear on the ballot. This includes verifying the authenticity and validity of ballot petition signatures. The recent case of ballot petition fraud involving Dean Phillips highlighted the need for thorough scrutiny and verification of signatures.
Rolfes and her team meticulously reviewed each page of the petition, comparing the signatures, birth dates, addresses, and even penmanship with the statewide voter registration system. Their attention to detail revealed numerous discrepancies and instances of fraud, such as addresses that did not exist and signatures that were not found in the statewide system.
The discovery of such fraud is a serious matter, as it undermines the integrity of the electoral process and casts doubt on the legitimacy of the candidates involved. It is crucial that election officials like Rolfes remain vigilant and committed to upholding the law to ensure fair and transparent elections.
Rolfes’ background in education and nonprofit work has also prepared her for managing people and operations in her current role. As the former owner and director of a child care center, she understands the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail in running a successful organization. Similarly, her experience managing a nonprofit literacy center equipped her with valuable skills in strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management.
Rolfes believes that her diverse experiences have shaped her into a more effective leader and public servant. Her commitment to lifelong learning and her passion for serving her community drive her to continuously improve and adapt to the challenges of her role.
In conclusion, Amy Rolfes’ attention to detail, commitment to upholding the law, and background in education and nonprofit work make her a highly capable and dedicated government official. Her recent efforts in identifying and addressing ballot petition fraud serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in the electoral process. Through her leadership and determination, Rolfes sets a precedent for fair and transparent elections, ensuring that the voices of the voters are accurately represented.
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