The Biden-Harris administration is taking decisive action to protect election workers from rising threats as the 2024 election approaches.
At a Glance
- District election officers will be deployed to manage and respond to threats against election officials and volunteers
- The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force has reviewed over 2,000 reports of threats since 2021
- Election workers face increased threats, especially following social media posts about election conspiracies
- Local authorities are implementing security measures, including bulletproof glass and panic buttons
- The DOJ plans to seek enhanced sentences for crimes involving AI in election-related threats
Protecting Democracy’s Frontline Workers
In response to an alarming increase in threats against election workers, the Biden-Harris administration is taking unprecedented steps to ensure the safety and integrity of the upcoming elections. The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, established in 2021, has been at the forefront of this effort, reviewing over 2,000 reports of threats and filing 14 cases, some resulting in prison sentences.
Attorney General Merrick Garland has directed the deployment of district election officers to manage and respond to threats against election officials and volunteers. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to preserving electoral integrity and fostering public trust, particularly in light of the increased threats since the 2020 elections.
The Scale of the Threat
The severity of the situation cannot be overstated. Election workers across the country have received death threats and warnings of lynching, often linked to false claims about the 2020 election being stolen. These threats have had a chilling effect on the electoral process, with many workers leaving their jobs out of fear for their safety. “A functioning democracy requires that the public servants who administer our elections are able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives.” stated Attorney General Merrick Garland
A Brennan Center for Justice poll found that 38% of local election officials have experienced threats or harassment. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for action to protect these essential workers of democracy.
Local Initiatives and Security Measures
In response to these threats, local authorities are implementing significant security upgrades. Cobb County, Georgia, for example, is enhancing election security by stationing sheriff’s deputies at early voting locations and installing panic buttons for poll managers. Los Angeles County and Durham County are taking similar precautions, including the installation of bulletproof glass and security cameras.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency has conducted over 1,000 security assessments for election offices in 2023 alone. Additionally, election workers are being trained in de-escalation techniques and active shooter responses, highlighting the seriousness of the perceived threats.
Combating Technological Threats
The Department of Justice is also addressing the growing concern over advanced technologies being used to threaten election workers. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco has emphasized the challenges posed by anonymizing technology and artificial intelligence, which are being used to mask identities and spread misinformation, including deep-fakes.
In response, the DOJ plans to seek enhanced sentences for crimes involving AI, considering all options under U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. This approach demonstrates the administration’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats to the electoral process.
A Call for Vigilance
As the 2024 election approaches, the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to protect election workers underscore the critical importance of these often-overlooked guardians of democracy. The deployment of district elections officers and the coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies represent a united front against those who would seek to undermine the electoral process through intimidation and threats.
The message from the administration is clear: threats against election workers will not be tolerated. As citizens, we must remain vigilant and supportive of those who work tirelessly to ensure the integrity of our democratic process. Their safety and security are paramount to the preservation of free and fair elections in America.
Sources:
- Election workers have gotten death threats and warnings they will be lynched, the US government says
