SE Valley Times

Bill Gates understands why recent close local election results have led some people to voice distrust in how the process was conducted.

That lack of public confidence is one reason why Gates, a Maricopa County supervisor, is teaching about the intricacies of elections administration and directing research at the new Arizona State University Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory, or MODL (pronounced “model”), starting this fall.

Bill Gates, a Maricopa County supervisor and School of Public Affairs professor of practice, is director of the new ASU Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory. “One thing I love about Maricopa County is we have close races,” Gates said. Just as a close game draws more sports fans, narrow results get more public attention, he said.

“Who wants to watch a blowout?” said Gates, who will leave the board of supervisors at the end of his second term in December. “The crowd doesn’t yell at the ref in a blowout. They only do in close contests.” Gates said MODL was created to respond to a growing number of voters on the losing sides of elections who deny the results and level false fraud accusations against those in charge.

But while it’s one thing to shout displeasure at an official over a close call, it’s another to threaten that official’s life.

Gates, a Republican, experienced this reality firsthand. He and other supervisors endured name-calling, harassment and unfounded allegations after they upheld the results of the 2020 and 2022 elections, according to several media accounts.

Gates and his family even received many anonymous threats, causing him to suffer effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Correcting misunderstandings, misinformation

Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions Dean and President’s Professor Cynthia Lietz describes MODL as an important addition to the college’s commitment to preserving the nation’s democracy, a strategic priority this academic year. The new laboratory joins an existing portfolio of research centers and initiatives advancing this effort.

Through MODL, Gates said he wants to devote his post-politics career to correcting misunderstandings and mis- and disinformation through public education while encouraging students to seek careers in running elections.

The lab will offer resources and training for different segments of society, from voters and journalists to elections administrators and poll workers, especially those in smaller jurisdictions.

The laboratory, based in the School of Public Affairs at Watts College, involves collaboration by Gates; school Director Shannon Portillo; and Professor Thom Reilly.

Portillo served as an elected Democratic member of the Douglas County (Kansas) Commission prior to assuming her ASU position in 2022. Reilly is co-director of the School of Public Affairs’ Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy and former county manager of Clark County, Nevada.

The new laboratory also complements the college’s Congressman Ed Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service which has made significant strides to engage young people in the political process.

Pastor Center Executive Director Alberto Olivas praised Gates’ years of honorable service in county and municipal elective office. Gates also was a Phoenix City Council member from 2009 to 2016.

Will ‘improve public awareness’

“Supervisor Gates was the recipient of the Pastor Center’s 2023 Public Service Leadership Award due to his heroic defense of the integrity our elections and voting systems,” said Olivas. “I’m so excited to now have Bill head up efforts to improve public awareness and understanding of how our elections system works.”

Olivas said MODL’s offerings add to comprehensive educational experiences students receive at Watts College through his center and other initiatives like Center for an Independent & Sustainable Democracy.

“As a former elected official...he’s ideally suited...to speak...for our students,” Olivas said. “His new lab...will be an immensely helpful partner...as we work together...to prepare...public policy leaders.”

Lietz stated: “I could not be more pleased…as we prepare…leaders…for civic engagement…”

Portillo emphasized that smaller jurisdictions are crucial. She noted many rural Arizona elections are decided by fewer than 2,500 votes: "What people often forget about elections is more…are run at…the rural level…”

Convening people across nation

Gates expressed that MODL aims nationwide convening for fair election discussions: “The days…smoothly…and we all accept…results are no longer…”

Portillo highlighted collaborative team-teaching with senior faculty like Reilly: "Long term,…more offerings..."

Reilly acknowledged securing someone with Gates’ experience: "He’s been front…and center…dealing with elections denial..."

Students will learn main problems: "...workers? How do we have pipeline...? What are challenges...?"

Laboratory focuses on educating public about non-elected election administrators' roles alongside other centers such as Bob Ramsey Executive Education which enhances management competencies among public service professionals.

Gates mentioned proximity benefits from ASU Downtown Phoenix campus near Sandra Day O’Connor College Law & Walter Cronkite School Journalism reflecting lawyers/journalists' roles in election administration.

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