MEET THE CANDIDATES: Cynthia Harris, Orange County Supervisor of Elections

CYNTHIA HARRIS

Age: 56 

Residence: Orlando

Family: Mother of two; grandmother of four

Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, University of Central Florida

Profession: Non-profit CEO

Qualifications: Current chair of Black Advisory Committee, Valencia College; current president Greater Malibu Groves Neighborhood Association; executive director Economic Opportunity Training Operations; executive director Carson-Chaney House; member of Ninth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Justice Circuit Advisory Board; board member Hands on Orlando; former state president and vice president of Florida National Organization for Women.

 Why are you running for Orange County Supervisor of Elections?

To ensure the care, custody and control of free and fair elections. In 1919, when the 19th amendment was passed, two little girls (my grandmothers) were ages 3 and 4. Their mothers were not allowed to vote; neither were their grandmothers. Fast-forward to 1965, my grandmothers were granted access to vote for the very first time. Keep in mind, they had to endure threats of lynchings, loss of their homes, poll taxes and unfair testing before this moment could come. The strength of these women and their fight for equity are the shoulders of which I stand, and they never took voting for granted. The 3-year-old little girl lived to be 102 and was able to cast her vote for the first African-American president of the United States. I stand proudly to be able to represent these influential women, and I will proudly serve with access and transparency as you next Orange County Supervisor of Elections.

Discuss your previous experience and how it has prepared you to serve in this role.

I have worked with the Supervisor of Elections as a clerk since the 2016 elections on the outside, so I understand the process of what a voter may or may not encounter when voting. I have experience as a poll watcher, and I am familiar with the rights of the voter who may be turned away from access to voting. I have also had the opportunity to shadow other Supervisor of Elections offices in Florida to observe canvassing boards and the day-to-day activities of the election process and the possible glitches that may or may not occur. 

What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as Supervisor of Elections?

I have witnessed the frustrations of voters and candidates, and there is always room for adjustments and improvements in the voting process. My greatest influences were my grandmothers and what they went through, as well as the village of leaders who helped mold and shape my life. These guides will outline my agenda of free and fair elections.

What are the key differences between you and your opponents?

I am ready on Day 1. I understand the internal and external processes of the Supervisor of Elections. This is not a popularity contest. Access and transparency are key to protecting our democracy to free and fair elections. Voting is everything, and we must protect it.

What are the three most pressing issues facing voters and the SOE office in Orange County?

Voter suppression, chain of custody, paper ballots vs. machine counting.

Evaluate the job Glen Gilzean has done as current Supervisor of Elections.

Mr. Gilzean has not been on the job long enough to give a fair evaluation. He was immediately thrown into a special election before he could enter the front door. He handled this well under pressure. Now, he is thrust into a frivolous lawsuit. An evaluation would not be applicable right now. 

If elected, what will be your strategy to encourage voter turnout and participation?

Education and outreach would be key to voter turnout and participation. There are 13 municipalities, and most voters are not informed that they are afforded to vote twice for mayors and commissioners in their municipalities, as well as county mayors and commissioners. We lack civic engagement, because it is not taught in schools. I am a Schoolhouse Rock child; I will implement youth and adult academies in this office to understand the process of “I am now a registered voter. What do I do next?” My office will stay engaged and connected to each and every voter.

Discuss candidate Dan Helm’s lawsuit against you and its anticipated ramifications on this election.

Litigation.

How do you ensure voters of all political affiliations that you will fulfill the role of Supervisor of Elections fairly and without bias?

This office should not be a partisan office, which is why I am NPA. Every voter should feel free to exercise (his or her) right to democracy and access to free and fair elections without threats of intimidation or coercion. There is no room for political bullies in Orange County. This office will ensure that Cynthia Harris will bring her experience, integrity and commitment to your vote. Voting is everything! We must do everything in our power to protect it!