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High Turnout Wide Margins

by High Turnout Wide Margins · English · News

Co-hosts Brianna Lennon, county clerk in Boone County, Missouri and Eric Fey, director of elections in St. Louis County, Missouri, talk to subject-matter elections experts and local election administrators to ask the questions that are most meaningful to their work and talk with colleagues about how

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 28 min
Latest: 15 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026 · 29 minNew

S5E13 - Minimizing Fear and Focusing on Preparation with Michael Siegrist in Canton Township, Michigan

In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Michael Siegrist. He’s the Canton Township Clerk in Wayne County, Michigan, as well as the current president of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks. They spoke about the state of elections administration in Michigan, about some of the work the association is doing to help better prepare its many clerks, and about why it’s important to just take a moment and take a deep breath as the November General Election approaches.

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S5 · E12 · 14 Oct 2026 · 28 minNew
S5E12 - Maintaining Joy and Passion for Elections Administration with Ohio’s Tonya Wichman
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Tonya Wichman, the director of the Board of Elections in Defiance County, Ohio. She is also currently serving on the Election Center Board of Directors. They spoke about Wichman’s career in elections, how she found the energy and community to keep her motivated as the job became harder, and about some of the ways she has brought joy into her county’s election process.
13 Oct 2026 · 29 minNew
S5E11 - From Election Crises to Camaraderie with Colorado’s Carly Koppes and Lori Mitchell
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Carly Koppes, the County Clerk & Recorder in Weld County, Colorado, and Lori Mitchell, the County Clerk & Recorder in Chaffee County, Colorado. Both have held many leadership positions within the Colorado County Clerks Association. They spoke about what the association has learned about responding to a crisis — in light of a Colorado clerk being convicted of numerous voting related felonies in 2024. They also addressed how that crisis brought Colorado’s clerks closer together, as well as how they are trying to pass down…
S5 · E10 · 8 Oct 2026 · 28 min
S5E10 - Five Years Later: A Check-In with Pima County’s Gabriella Cázares-Kelly
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak to Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, the Recorder in Pima County, Arizona. This her second appearance on the podcast — her first being five years ago in Season 1. They spoke about how things have changed, what Cázares-Kelly has learned in her five plus years in the position, and about what’s making her hopeful about the future of American elections.
S5 · E9 · 7 Oct 2026 · 28 min
S5E9 - Prioritizing the ‘Good and Right Thing’ with Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Seth Bluestein. He’s the lone Republican Commissioner on the three-person Philadelphia Board of Elections. They spoke about the scrutiny Philadelphia has received during the last few election cycles, as well as how that attention has influenced the way they are running elections in the city. Plus, Bluestein shares some interesting tidbits about the state's system of electing some members of a polling location’s staff.
S5 · E8 · 6 Oct 2026 · 30 min
S5E8 — Transparency, Transparency and More Transparency with Orange County’s Bob Page
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Bob Page, the Registrar of Voters at County of Orange. He has had a busy year when it comes to questions about the integrity of the county’s elections — including a lawsuit filed against him by the DOJ. They spoke about how Page responds in the face of such attention, as well as how he works with journalists and spends time educating the public to rebuild trust in California elections.
S5 · E7 · 24 Sep 2026 · 32 min
S5E7 - So, What’s Going on With Missouri’s congressional maps? An Election Admin Explainer.
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey sit down to discuss the “kerfuffle” that has been the mid-decade redistricting process in Missouri. This process began last September — and even though the Missouri August primary is completed and absentee ballots for the November general election have already begun to go out — uncertainty still remains about which congressional maps Missouri local election administrators will use. Note: At the time that this episode is being produced — 7:00 p.m. on September 23, 2026 — the decision on Missouri’s congressional map is once again in the hands…
S5 · E6 · 23 Sep 2026 · 28 min
S5E6 - The Importance of Consequence Planning with Advance Elections’ Casandra Hockenberry
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Casandra Hockenberry. Previously, she worked at the Council of State Governments’ Center for Innovation, but is now serving as the Program and Policy Director for Advance Elections, a nonpartisan, elections-focused consulting firm. They spoke about how election administrators can more effectively help overseas and military voters cast their absentee ballots, as well as the importance of consequence planning alongside emergency managers.
S5 · E5 · 22 Sep 2026 · 25 min
S5E5 - Transmitting unofficial results via QR codes with Jamie Fitzgerald in Polk County, Iowa
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Jamie Fitzgerald. He’s served as the Auditor and Commissioner of Elections in Polk County, Iowa, since January 2007. They spoke about a unique technology his office has been using since 2025 — where his poll workers transmit their unofficial tallies back to the central office via QR code on election night.
S5 · E4 · 17 Sep 2026 · 28 min
S5E4 - Verifying Election Technology with The Turnout’s Jared Marcotte
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Jared Marcotte. He’s the founder of The Turnout, a company that focuses on the intersection of technology, software and security in elections. They spoke about what motivated Marcotte to create The Turnout, as well as about the importance of election administrators being able to determine the safety and security of the non-voting system technology they use. This episode is part of a three-part series exploring election technology.
S5 · E3 · 16 Sep 2026 · 29 min
S5E3 - The New (Open Source) Kid on the Block with VotingWork’s Ben Adida
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Ben Adida. He’s the co-founder and executive director of VotingWorks, a nonprofit organization that builds open-source voting equipment. They spoke about what an open-source system actually is, some of the challenges of getting new voting machines through the certification process, and about the overall health of the voting equipment ecosystem. This episode is part of a three-part series focused on election technology.
S5 · E2 · 15 Sep 2026 · 27 min
S5E2 - Turning Election Administration Experience into Technology Solutions with KNOWiNK and Liberty Vote’s Scott Leiendecker
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Scott Leiendecker. He’s the founder and CEO of KNOWiNK, an electronic poll pad system, and Liberty Vote, as well as a former Republican Elections Director for St. Louis City. They spoke about how Leiendecker’s election administration experience influenced his decision to enter the election vendor space, how he’s working to combat mis- and disinformation about election technology and about what he hopes is next for the industry. This episode is part of a three-part series focused on election technology.
S5 · E1 · 9 Sep 2026 · 25 min
S5E1 - A Reflection with former EAC Commissioner Tom Hicks
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Tom Hicks. Hicks was a U.S. Election Assistance Commission [EAC] commissioner from January 2015 until July 9, 2026 — when he was notified via email that his position was “terminated, effective immediately.” They reflected on Hick’s tenure — some of the efforts he’s proudest of and what he wishes he had more time to do — and spoke about what the EAC is still capable of without commissioners and Hick’s hopes for the agency going forward. You can read more about Hick’s time at the EAC at:…
S4 · E26 · 15 Apr 2026 · 28 min
S4E26 — Brianna and Eric in the Hot Seat: The Kid Interview
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey interview their kids, then have the tables turned on them as the kids ask questions of the parents about elections and election administration. They spoke about… lots of things really, but definitely NOT politics.
S4 · E25 · 1 Apr 2026 · 27 min
S4E25 – Tours & TikToks & Transparency, Oh My! Building Trust in Election Protections with Lauren Prather and Thad Kousser
In this episode, hosts Brianna Lennon and Eric Fey speak with Lauren Prather and Thad Kousser, the co-directors of the Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections based at the University of California-San Diego. They spoke about some of the research they have done, which shows simple and effective ways for election administrators to connect with their constituents and grow trust in elections. This includes office tours, video office tours, simple and “authentic” social media videos and more.
S4 · E24 · 4 Mar 2026 · 28 min
S4E24 – Live from PLEJ with Carolina Lopez: “When Large Election Offices Succeed, So Does the Rest of the Country.”
Back in September, the High Turnout Wide Margins team traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the 2025 Summer Convening of the Partnership for Large Jurisdictions, or PLEJ. While there, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon had the opportunity to speak with election administrators from across the county and world. They also had the opportunity to take the stage for a special live taping with Carolina Lopez, the executive director of PLEJ. They spoke about the history of PLEJ, as well as how it has grown and benefited election administrators across the county. They also brought several members…
S4 · E23 · 18 Feb 2026 · 29 min
S4E23 – Centralizing Public Records Requests in Washington State with Stuart Holmes and Chris Mann
In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Christopher Mann, the Research Director at the Center for Election Innovation & Research, and Stuart Holmes, the Director of Elections for Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. They spoke about the centralized system for responding to public records requests that Washington state implemented in 2023, as well as how the system is helping combat misinformation and is returning some time to local election administrators who continue to receive an increased number of public records requests. You can read the full case report from…
S4 · E22 · 4 Feb 2026 · 28 min
S4E22 – Exploring the Future of AI in Elections with Arizona State University’s Bill Gates
In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Bill Gates. He’s the director of Arizona State University Mechanics of Democracy Lab, as well as the former chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in Arizona. They spoke about AI in elections — Both how generative AI tools could be responsibly used in election offices and how election officials might combat bad actors spreading mis- and disinformation through AI deep fakes. You can learn more about the Mechanics of Democracy Lab at https://modl.spa.asu.edu/
S4 · E21 · 21 Jan 2026 · 27 min
S4E21 – Changes to New Mexico Election Laws with Bernalillo County’s Michelle Kavanaugh
In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Michelle Kavanaugh, the Bernalillo County Clerk in New Mexico. They spoke about some of the recent changes to New Mexican election law, which include automatic voter registration at the Motor Vehicle Division, semi-open primaries and the restoration of voting rights to citizens after incarceration — regardless of felony status.
S4 · E20 · 7 Jan 2026 · 30 min
S4E20 – Building Pillars of Election Trust with Ben Ginsberg and Bob Bauer
In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Ben Ginsberg and Bob Bauer. These two longtime and respected election experts launched a national effort called Pillars of the Community in 2024. This program aims to educate and answer questions from trusted community members who can then assist in the fight against election dis- and misinformation. You can find out more about the program, as well as access community engagement tools for election administrators, at https://pillarsofthecommunity.org/ .
S4 · E19 · 24 Dec 2025 · 28 min
S4E19 – Compulsory Voting, Democracy Sausages and More: Learning about Elections Down Under with Former Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers
In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Tom Rogers, who was the Australian Electoral Commissioner from 2014 to 2024. They spoke about the structure of Australian elections, how the country counts its ballots, and the importance of democracy sausages.
S4 · E18 · 10 Dec 2025 · 25 min
S4E18 – Protecting Latin American Democracy Through Observation with Transparencia Electoral’s Eduardo Repilloza Fernández
High Turnout Wide Margins recently traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the 2025 summer convening of the Partnership for Large Election Jurisdictions [PLEJ], and spoke with election officials from across the county — and world — about the elections work they are doing in their communities. In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Eduardo Repilloza Fernández. He’s the Director General of Transparencia Electoral, an election organization in Latin America that is working to promote and protect democracy through election observation, research and training. They spoke…
S4 · E17 · 26 Nov 2025 · 27 min
S4E17 – Making A[n Election] List and Checking it Twice with Florida’s Paul Lux and Mark Earley
High Turnout Wide Margins recently traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the 2025 summer convening of the Partnership for Large Election Jurisdictions [PLEJ], and spoke with election officials from across the county — and world — about the elections work they are doing in their communities. In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Paul Lux, the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections, and Mark Earley, the Supervisor of Elections in Leon County. They spoke about how the lists of registered voters are already maintained in Florida, and about how the Safeguard American…
S4 · E16 · 12 Nov 2025 · 26 min
S4E16 – Reporting for duty: Exploring Nebraska’s poll worker draft process with Brian Kruse
High Turnout Wide Margins recently traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the 2025 summer convening of the Partnership for Large Election Jurisdictions [PLEJ], and spoke with election officials from across the county — and world -- about the elections work they are doing in their communities. In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Brian Kruse. He’s the Douglas County Election Commissioner based in Omaha, Nebraska. They spoke about how elections work in Nebraska, as well as the unique way Nebraska ensures there’s enough poll workers — by drafting them. Kruse has…
S4 · E15 · 29 Oct 2025 · 29 min
S4E15 – A North Carolinian walks into a Texas Association: Learning more about the Texas Association of County Election Officials with Chris McGinn
High Turnout Wide Margins recently traveled to the 40th annual Election Center conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, and spoke with election administrations and officials from across the county about how they do the work of elections in their communities. In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Chris McGinn. For the past year and a half, he’s been working as the executive director of the Texas Association of County Election Officials [TACEO] They spoke about some of the changes McGinn is helping make to the association, how the association balances the needs of some of…
S4 · E14 · 15 Oct 2025 · 23 min
S4E14 – Helping Louisiana Voters Geaux Vote with Lisa Marie Manning Bridges in Orleans Parish
High Turnout Wide Margins recently traveled to the 40th annual Election Center conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, and spoke with election administrations and officials from across the county about how they do the work of elections in their communities. In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Lisa Marie Manning Bridges, the Registrar of Voters in the Parish of Orleans in Louisiana. They spoke about the unique nature of Louisiana elections, how the work is divvied up by different parish offices and how the parish works alongside the Louisiana Secretary of State to serve…
S4 · E13 · 1 Oct 2025 · 27 min
S4E13 – Serving voters at home and those serving overseas with Arlington County, Virginia’s Gretchen Reinemeyer
High Turnout Wide Margins recently traveled to the 40th annual Election Center conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, and spoke with election administrations and officials from across the county about how they do the work of elections in their communities. In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Gretchen Reinemeyer, the General Registrar/Director of Elections for Arlington County. They spoke about some of the challenges that come from running elections in an area that has a large overlap with other metropolitan areas, as well as a large and ever changing number of military…
S4 · E12 · 17 Sep 2025 · 25 min
S4E12 – Exploring Alabama Elections with Jefferson County’s Judge Yashiba Glenn Blanchard
High Turnout Wide Margins recently traveled to the 40th annual Election Center conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, and spoke with election administrations and officials from across the county about how they do the work of elections in their communities. In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Judge Yashiba Glenn Blanchard in Jefferson County, Alabama. She was elected as the county’s probate judge in November of 2024, which means she hears probate cases – and is the chief election official for the county. They spoke about the decentralized nature of Alabama’s elections…
S4 · E11 · 3 Sep 2025 · 26 min
S4E11 – Connecting with College Voters with Eddy Zerbe from the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition
High Turnout Wide Margins recently traveled to the 40th annual Election Center conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, and spoke with election administrations and officials from across the county about how they do the work of elections in their communities. In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Eddy Zerbe. He’s the deputy director of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition, which works to engage college-aged voters. They spoke about some of the barriers that college-aged and first-time voters commonly face and how election administrators can work directly with students…
S4 · E10 · 20 Aug 2025 · 29 min
S4E10 – Cutting through the noise on changes to the voluntary voting system guidelines with South Carolina’s Isaac Cramer
In this episode, hosts Eric Fey and Brianna Lennon speak with Isaac Cramer. He’s the Executive Director of the Charleston County Board of Elections in South Carolina, as well as a member of the EAC’s Technical Guidelines Development Committee . This committee is currently looking at ways the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines, or VVSG, may be updated in the future. They spoke about Cramer’s role on this board, the importance of including voices and perspectives from voters of all abilities and about what these new guidelines could mean for election administrations in South Carolina and…

About High Turnout Wide Margins

High Turnout Wide Margins is a English news podcast from High Turnout Wide Margins. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: High Turnout Wide Margins
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 28 min
Latest episode: 15 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1546061812
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