A group of mostly women gathered inside a conference room, their silence broken by an audio recording. The agitated male voice railed against perceived fraud, threatening to harm the target’s family. Directed at a city clerk who oversaw elections in suburban Detroit in 2020, this call is not an isolated incident. Across the nation, election offices have become targets of threats and harassment. Recognizing the pressure faced by election officials, Tina Barton left her job in Rochester Hills after the 2020 election to become part of the newly formed Committee for Safe and Secure Elections. She has since given nearly 100 presentations nationwide, one of which was the recent training session in Traverse City, Michigan. Joined by former Larimer County, Colorado sheriff Justin Smith, Barton guides election officials through various scenarios, encouraging them to consider their responses and when to involve law enforcement or release information to the public. Emphasizing the need for collaboration, Barton stresses the value of law enforcement’s involvement in election security. Smith explains that law enforcement’s role has evolved, moving from a distance to active participation in ensuring election integrity. The training also addresses the importance of mental health services for election officials. Susanne Courtade, East Bay Township Clerk, despite facing harassment, plans to run for another term, determined not to let threats hinder her service. As the November election approaches, many clerks express concerns but remain committed to their roles. They recognize the significance of building trust between election officials and law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of the electoral process.
Threats to Election Officials Continue: National Training Focuses on Response and Collaboration
