On Thursday, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson praised local election clerks and officials for the demanding work they do to protect voters and administer elections, emphasizing that much of the responsibility for secure and orderly elections rests with people working at the local level.

“Rest assured, on that day when you or any of your family members decide to go and vote in person or turn in your ballot, you’re protected,” Swanson said.

Swanson said Genesee County is taking a new step this year by bringing election officials and law enforcement together under a coordinated countywide safety plan designed to protect voters, election workers and polling locations.

Swanson said the plan is focused on preparedness rather than partisanship, with law enforcement and local officials coordinating their responses to emergencies or disruptions on Election Day. Drawing on lessons from previous emergency responses in the community, he said agencies will train together, establish a shared protocol and ensure officials across the county understand their roles.

The goal, he said, is to give residents confidence that they can vote or return their ballots safely and that Genesee County is prepared should an emergency occur.