The upcoming US election season is bringing a new level of security focus to protect both election workers and the integrity of the voting process. With escalating political violence and threats targeting election officials, the need for robust security measures has become critical.
Just weeks after a potential assassination attempt against former President Trump, the election director in Cobb County, Georgia, a crucial battleground in the presidential race, conducted a five-hour training session for election staff. This was no ordinary election training; it focused on collaborative strategies between election officials and law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of the election process.
This heightened focus on security stems from a series of disturbing incidents that have rattled election officials across the country. In March, during Georgia’s presidential primary, a poll worker was confronted by an agitated voter carrying a firearm. Although the situation did not escalate, it left a lasting impact on the worker and highlighted the vulnerability of election officials.
Since the 2020 presidential election, election offices and officials have faced a surge in harassment and death threats, often fueled by false claims of widespread election fraud and rigged voting machines. The threats have taken various forms, from physical attacks to suspicious mail containing white powder, sometimes testing positive for fentanyl.
Swatting incidents, where bogus 911 calls target individuals, have also plagued top election officials in Georgia, Maine, Michigan, and Missouri, placing them in potentially life-threatening situations.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) has conducted over 1,000 voluntary physical security assessments for election offices since early 2023. These assessments have helped identify vulnerabilities and secure funding for necessary upgrades.
The US Election Assistance Commission’s 2022 decision to allow federal funds for security enhancements has further bolstered security measures. Many counties across the country, such as Los Angeles County, California, and Durham County, North Carolina, are now equipped with new election offices featuring significant security upgrades, including bulletproof glass, security cameras, badge-access doors, and new mail handling procedures.
Durham County’s new office includes a dedicated mail processing room with a separate exhaust system, designed to handle potentially hazardous mail substances. This investment is a direct response to the threats faced by election officials in Michigan and Arizona, as well as suspicious letters sent to offices in various states.
The increased security measures are a significant shift in the landscape of election administration. Threats and harassment have driven some election officials across the country to resign, highlighting the growing pressure and stress on these individuals. Many election workers are now being trained in de-escalation techniques and active shooter response protocols, underscoring the seriousness of the security concerns.
In Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, security has become a dominant focus, consuming around 40% of election officials’ time. They collaborate closely with local law enforcement and emergency managers, conducting regular training to address potential disruptions to voting or ballot counting.
Local authorities are implementing various security measures, including panic buttons for poll managers, increased law enforcement presence at election offices, and canine teams to scan incoming mail ballots for suspicious substances.
The new $29 million election office in Los Angeles consolidates operations and includes round-the-clock security and additional staffing from the county sheriff’s department. The office features advanced security measures to protect ballot drop boxes and counter attempts to disrupt mail voting.
Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey has also implemented enhanced security measures, including more cameras, armed security, and bulletproof glass, to protect staff and the ballot-counting process. Observers are now screened before entering the ballot-counting room, further enhancing the security of the process.
Despite the increased security measures, election officials are committed to maintaining welcoming polling places and providing accessible voting opportunities to ensure public trust in the process. They are striving to balance security with accessibility and transparency to uphold the integrity of US elections.
