Sophia DiNaro
Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor
The American Democracy Project will be hosting a screening of “No Time to Fail”, a documentary about Rhode Island election administrators preparing for the 2020 presidential election. The event will take place on Sept. 28 in Gaige Hall 100. It is free and open to the public.
For so long, poll workers had little significance to the average voter. Only in 2020 were they finally acknowledged, although for the wrong reasons. Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, particularly in Georgia where he has recently been indicted, put poll workers under fire. Years later, they still face accusations of electoral fraud, harassment, intimidation and threats of violence. Though these occurrences take place more notably in Republican-leaning states, “No Time to Fail” serves as a reminder of how widespread these accusations are. Rhode Island poll workers faced these struggles, as well as added difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and still rose to the challenge to ensure that all votes were accounted for.
Directed and produced by Sara Archambault and Margo Guernsey, “No Time to Fail” has been screened at several film festivals, including the Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival. It is Archambault and Guernsey’s most recent production and their first collaboration. Their past productions include Archambault’s “Riotsville, U.S.A.” and Guernsey’s “Councilwoman.”
The event will begin with a reception at 5:15 p.m., followed by the 6 p.m. screening. The screening will be followed by a discussion and Q&A session moderated by RIC’s Dr. Michelle Brophy-Baermann, professor and head of the Political Science department. Guests include Archambault, Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore, Director of RIC’s Film Studies Program Dr. Vincent Bohlinger, Rhode Island Deputy Secretary of State Rob Rock, and Rhode Island Director of Elections Kathy Placencia.
“No Time to Fail” is an important and timely documentary highlighting Rhode Island officials’ dedication to the democratic process. RSVP to the event by Sept. 22 here to secure your spot in this informative experience.
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