Harney County can chalk up a win as its own County Clerk, Derrin "Dag" Robinson, was selected to chair the standards board of a key federal election body, marking a significant step for an Oregon official into the national spotlight. Robinson, lauded for his over three decades of service to Oregon's election system, will oversee the Standards Board of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) — an independent bipartisan agency tasked with improving election administration in the U.S., according to an official statement.
The EAC Standards Board, where Robinson has represented Oregon since 2015, plays a pivotal role in shaping election practices and in advising the Commission, a team that’s helped to foster election integrity nationwide now Robinson is all set to lead the team after his recent climb. In response to his appointment, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade praised Robinson's dedication to public service, saying, "Dag is an exemplary public servant and has been a devoted advocate for Oregon’s elections system for more than 30 years," and "I congratulate him on his election to such an important role as a national leader when it comes to election administration," the statement detailed.
Robinson's credentials include multiple roles in his career; before taking the County Clerk helm in 2012, he was Chief Deputy for 16 years and Elections Deputy, earning him accolades in the field. Tracie Krevanko, President of the Oregon Association of County Clerks (OACC), spoke highly of Robinson's expertise, assuring that Oregon's elections are held to a "gold standard" partly thanks to him "I’m thrilled for Dag to continue his service on the EAC Standards Board and represent Oregon in this critical role," Krevanko conveyed. Robinson, who also served as the treasurer for the OACC, possesses academic chops courtesy of Boise State University and brings to the board a triad of certifications in various administrative capacities.
Emphasizing the significance of his new role, Robinson himself underscored the importance of the EAC's work, especially in the current climate where election processes are increasingly scrutinized "I believe the work of the Election Assistance Commission has never been more important," he remarked, "This organization’s efforts to assist elections officials in continuing our work to defend our secure, transparent, and accurate democratic process is imperative," indicating a drive to maintain the integrity and trust in American elections. His tenure with the board is expected to leverage his experience at a crucial time when faith in the electoral system is questioned by various sections of the populace.
