A massive fire destroys nearly every piece of voting equipment in the third largest county in the country—just 67 days before a national election. Featuring the voice of current Harris County TX Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth and the story of former Clerk Beverly Kaufman.

The Unstoppable Vote is a documentary podcast from The Center for Election Innovation & Research about a nearly invisible part of American democracy: the resilience of elections and the people who run them in the face of disaster. When elections run smoothly, as they almost always do, it doesn't mean nothing went wrong. It means trained professionals prepared, adapted, and performed despite the disruptions that inevitably occur.

Learn more at electioninnovation.org.

Credits

The Unstoppable Vote was produced in association with the Center for Election Innovation & Research. The idea for the series originated with CEIR Research Director Chris Mann, who also edited the script and provided project oversight. The series was written and produced by Dale McGowan. Interviews were conducted by Joanie Greve, Maddy Meekins, Tim Dwyer, Chris Mann, Kyle Yoder, Dale McGowan, and David Becker. Promotion by Joanie Greve, Tim Dwyer, Karla Cortes, and Maddy Meekins. Graphics support by Maddy Meekins. Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions.

Hosted and narrated by Kyle Yoder, Associate Research Director for CEIR.

Media sources

“‘Everything Is A Total Loss’: Entire Towns Devastated By Oregon Wildfires,” NBC News NOW, Sept 11, 2020.

“Investigators Working To Determine Cause Of Massive Warehouse Fire In North Philadelphia,” CBS Philadelphia, May 19, 2018.

Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman press conference, KTRH Houston, August 27, 2010.