November 2024 General Election: How Are Secretaries of State Preparing Nationwide?
50 states are each in charge of their elections. Join the O'Connor Institute and National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) to learn how our nation's elections officers are preparing for the November 5th election. How are the elected officials in charge of American elections preparing for November?
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Featured Panelists
Leslie Reynolds
Executive Director
National Association of Secretaries of State
Leslie Reynolds has served as executive director of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) since 2000. As Executive Director, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the association including: managing NASS staff, coordinating member communications, maintaining stakeholder relationships, as well as monitoring federal legislation on key member initiatives particularly in the areas of election administration, cybersecurity and business services issues.
The Honorable Steve Simon
Secretary of State, Minnesota
The Honorable Steve Simon (D-MN) is Minnesota’s 22nd secretary of state and president of NASS. He was sworn into office in Minnesota on January 5, 2015, and as the chief elections administrator pledged in his inaugural address to “work with anyone, of any political affiliation, from any part of our state” to protect, defend, and strengthen the right to vote in Minnesota.
The Honorable Michael Watson
Secretary of State, Mississippi
The Honorable Michael Watson (R-MS) is currently in his second term as Mississippi’s 36th secretary of state; is the president elect of NASS. Since taking the oath of office at the outset of his tenure, Secretary Watson has launched numerous initiatives and expanded existing efforts. From strengthening the integrity of Mississippi’s elections process through legislation, to reducing the regulatory burden on businesses with the award-winning Tackle the Tape initiative and safeguarding the state’s natural resources through the assembly of the Conservation Task Force, Secretary Watson has worked to serve all Mississippians.
Liam Julian | Moderator
Liam Julian is director of public policy for the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy. He was previously managing editor of Policy Review magazine in Washington, D.C. His writing and commentary on public policy topics has appeared in a variety of publications such as The Washington Post, The Atlantic, City Journal, and National Review and on programs such as NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Mr. Julian also spent time working with the College Board, where he oversaw development of Advanced Placement curricula, including the redesign of the AP U.S. Government and Politics course. From 2006 to 2013, he was a Hoover Institution research fellow at Stanford University.
The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy. Our nonpartisan nonprofit offers a platform of civil discourse to allow contrasting views to be discussed and explored.
