The King County Elections Division needs a director capable of running fair and mistake-free elections.

Sherril Huff currently holds that title, but now she’s running another election — her own — to keep her job. It’s an election that she should win. Much is at stake, including the implementation of reforms to ensure the county’s elections are no longer an embarrassment.

Huff has been at the forefront of those reforms, working quietly, with no other motive than to run a fair election. She was even a reluctant candidate for her job. The public should be glad she decided otherwise.

Huff is the most qualified of the six-candidate field in the first election for the county’s elections director. The election will be done entirely by mail and ballots must be postmarked no later than Feb. 3. Until now, the director was appointed by the county executive.

Of the six candidates, only two received an “outstanding” rating by the Municipal League of King County: Huff and former county council member David Irons.

Huff has the experience in a highly legal and technical field — experience that Irons lacks.

It takes two years to get an election administrator certificate. Huff already has hers, plus several years of experience.

If you feel that a politician should run the Elections Division, then elect Irons. The elections director position is non-partisan. Irons does not have management experience in a highly complex public organization and is too close to the Republican party, while Huff is far more independent. Going to all-mail voting, coupled with the elections equipment changeover, is a major step that requires a trained steady hand.

This job is really about managing people and keeping those onboard who have worked tirelessly in service to the ideal of a fair election. It’s about knowing how to run an intricate process using paper and computers.

The task for the Elections Division has been defined. Now is the time to build upon the reforms that thoughtful citizens of King County have put together. The battle has been fought and won. It’s time to put rhetoric aside and move forward. Huff can help lead the way.

The Mirror recommends electing Sherril Huff for director of elections.