Overview

What Are You Willing to Sacrifice for Democracy? Jackie Wu often asked herself this question when she worked at the Orange County California Registrar of Voters in 2020. She wrote this book to shed light on what happens behind the scenes to ensure elections are conducted securely, transparently, and with integrity. On the Front Lines of Democracy starts on Election Day in March 2020, just as a mysterious pandemic began. During the election cycle, her team faced threats of violence and public and media scrutiny. Failure was not an option, since they had the weighty responsibility of protecting voters' rights and access to the ballot box. Home to the United States' fifth largest voting jurisdiction, Orange County election officials were confronted with unprecedented crises in 2020, including: Wildfires that threatened voting access. Fake voting locations and ballot drop boxes. Protests at election offices. Active shooter and bomb threats. Unrelenting pressure from political parties, candidates, and campaigns. The threat of contracting COVID-19 and fear of passing it on. Jackie's compelling account reveals the intense challenges election officials throughout the country face in these polarized times. Their diligence and commitment to public service ensure that our nation, voting rights, and democracy are preserved for future generations. ----------------------------------------- ""On the Front Lines of Democracy presents a month-by-month survey of events in 2020 America that melds insights into Jackie Wu's life with observations of voting rights. While its focus is on what it's like to be an election official overseeing this right to vote, Wu even more importantly documents the daily struggles for preserving rights that have been eroded in other countries. The personal touch throughout lends a sense of drama to this story. Very highly recommended for libraries, for readers interested in insights about democracy, and for book clubs."" - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

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Reviews

""An important and honest read for anyone seeking to understand the critical role of election officials in safeguarding democracy. I hope readers learn from the stories in this book and that it inspires them to take whatever steps they can to help protect our democracy."" -John Lindback, former Executive Director, Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) ""As California Secretary of State, I deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work of election officials, especially during such a crucial and challenging time as the 2020 Presidential General Election. On the Front Lines of Democracy provides a meaningful account of the resolute efforts and sacrifices made by election officials. I recommend this book to readers who want to gain insight into the vital work of election officials during this historic election."" -Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., California Secretary of State ""As the former chief elections official of Orange County, CA, I am proud to endorse this insightful book. Jackie Wu's account of our experience administering the 2020 Presidential Election vividly describes our team's dedication, innovation, and commitment. It is a must-read."" -Neal Kelley, Registrar of Voters, Orange County (2005-2022) ""A powerful account of the extraordinary dedication and resilience of election officials who make our democracy happen. An essential read for anyone seeking to understand the work behind 'making elections work.'"" -Keara Mendez, Director of Advocacy, Center for Tech and Civic Life ""This valuable book provides a rare look at the inner workings of an election process. The circumstances make it intriguing, for it's the 2020 fall election in Orange County, California, beset by wildfires, voter intimidation, and shooter and bomb threats. Jackie Wu was on the front lines, and she chronicles this historic election in passionate detail."" -David Aretha, editor, Civil Rights Chronicle ""A fascinating insider's perspective on the essential work election workers do in running U.S. elections as well as the obstacles and dangers they encounter. This book offers a glimpse into the lives of the hardworking public employees who make democracy possible for us all."" -Bill Wong, Democratic Strategist and author of Better to Win ""I am thrilled to endorse a book telling the story of election officials in Orange County during the 2020 Presidential Election. Their efforts to improving the voter experience resulted in historic voter turnout - even amidst a pandemic. An eye-opening read and a success story of providing accessible voting for all."" -Whitney Quesenbery, Executive Director, Center for Civic Design ""A rare first-hand account by a dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly to keep our democracy working."" -Sam Oliker-Friedland, Executive Director, Institute for Responsive Government ""I highly recommend On the Front Lines of Democracy to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the dedication and sacrifice of election officials."" -Tommy Gong, Deputy County Clerk-Recorder, Contra Costa County

Author Information

Jackie Wu is an experienced consultant specializing in nonprofit advocacy, voter outreach and engagement, and election administration. She previously worked as the Community Outreach Manager for the Orange County Registrar of Voters, the fifth largest voting jurisdiction in the United States, between 2017 to 2021. During this time, Jackie was responsible for the translation of election materials into nine languages, election worker training, pop-up voting, social media, media, legislation, and outreach to approximately two million voters.Following the highly controversial and scrutinized 2020 General Election, Jackie was deeply impacted by the false accusations of voting and election fraud that sought to undermine voting rights. She experienced an epiphany after the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection. Jackie felt called to apply her experiences and knowledge to play a more direct role in empowering historically excluded communities to realize their political power and potential.A daughter of Chinese Vietnamese refugees, Jackie is a graduate of UC Irvine with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. She earned a certificate in Advanced Public Engagement for Local Government from Pepperdine University and a certificate in Applied Compassion from Stanford University. Jackie's past work experiences include working as a government administrator at the municipal level and for the California State Senate. She has been featured on NPR, in the Los Angeles Times and CalMatters, and has offered presentations and workshops on voting and the election process to numerous organizations.

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