In an effort to enhance election security amidst rising threats, a group gathered in Traverse City, Michigan, including election clerks and law enforcement officials, to discuss strategies and best practices for responding to threats. The conference highlighted the alarming increase in threats election offices have faced since the 2020 election.
Tina Barton, a former election clerk and current member of the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections, shared a recording of a threatening voicemail she received after the 2020 presidential election. Barton emphasized that such threats are not isolated incidents but a widespread problem that can occur anywhere, regardless of community size or location.
Justin Smith, a former sheriff and fellow member of the committee, stressed the importance of collaboration between election officials and law enforcement. In the past, election officials often handled issues on their own, but the current climate requires a more coordinated approach.
The training session covered various scenarios that election workers may encounter, such as threatening emails, phone calls, and robocalls. Barton encouraged participants to consider their responses, determine when to alert law enforcement, and decide whether to release information to the public.
Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State, emphasized the significance of collaboration between law enforcement and election officials in ensuring smooth elections. Her office has been providing grants to election offices to enhance security measures, and the federal government is also engaged in providing guidance and support.
The conference attendees, including Sheriff Michael D. Shea of Grand Traverse County, expressed concern about the vulnerability of election officials due to the nature of their responsibilities. They recognized the importance of addressing these threats to ensure fair and secure elections.
In addition to the threats faced by election officials, the content also provided insights into term limits for state legislators in the United States. In 2024, 180 state legislators will be term-limited, representing 3.1% of the total seats up for election. The impact of term limits varies across states, with some states having a higher percentage of term-limited legislators than others.
The collaboration between local election workers and law enforcement, combined with ongoing efforts to enhance election security, is crucial in safeguarding the integrity of our electoral process and ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted safely and securely.
