MANCHESTER, Iowa (KCRG) – According to Carla Becker, Delaware County Auditor, the 2024 election is “just a strange little election.”

She said there are a couple of reasons for that.

One—the window of time to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot was shorter than in years past. She said people also seemed to be cagier about the mail in general.

“There’s a little—I don’t want to say distrust, but [people are] just a little worried about the the mail and how long it’s taking our out-of-state mail,” said Becker.

Other reasons that make this a “strange” election also had to do with trust.

“We’re trying to reestablish trust in the process,” said Becker. “I think [people] lost that a little bit. I think, you know, through the the activities that happened in ’20 and after the election was over.”

Becker was talking about the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 by some supporters of former President Donald Trump. The attack disrupted Congress as it began the process to certify the results of the 2020 election.

Becker wasn’t the only person to talk about trust.

TV9 posted up in front of the Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids and stopped a few people on the street to hear their perspectives.

“There’s not a lot of trust, I don’t think, on either side. Doesn’t matter who you’re going to vote for. So that’s disturbing,” said Lori Mitchell of Cedar Rapids.

“I hope it doesn’t cause an uproar. You know, I hope that people stay sane. Either way, whoever wins, you know?” said Ayanna Quinn.

“I’m pretty nervous about all of it. I think there’s a lot on the line right now and — kind of nervous about all the division and everything,“ said A.J. Truelove of Marion.

Voters were rattled by the past and anxious about the future, but Becker said she and other election officials were doing their part to rebuild a sense of trust.

“Just building that confidence again in elections,” said Becker.

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