The new $24 million elections operations center in Durham, North Carolina, will have a separate mail-room exhaust system to protect against dangerous particles spreading through the building after a series of suspicious letters, some containing fentanyl, were sent to election offices around the country last year. Although Durham did not receive any of these letters, the incidents raised security concerns, especially in a swing state like North Carolina. This volatile environment has led to increased security measures by election officials, with 92% of local election officials surveyed taking action since 2020 to bolster security.
The survey released by the Brennan Center for Justice reveals that 38% of local election officials reported being harassed, abused, or threatened, up from 30% the previous year. Seven out of 10 officials feel that threats have increased since 2020, with more than half expressing concerns about the safety of colleagues and staff. The survey also highlights worries about potential dangerous hoaxes in which officials could be targeted in “swatting” incidents, further adding to their security concerns.
Despite the challenges, there is optimism for election officials as they adapt to their changing circumstances. While there has been an exodus of election workers from their posts, three-quarters of those surveyed have remained in their roles. Local election officials have been making adjustments to ensure the safety of election infrastructure and workers, showing resilience in the face of threats and harassment. The survey underscores the need for increased financial investments, as 83% of officials believe their budgets need to grow to meet the evolving needs of election administration and security.
In Durham County, election workers now wear masks and gloves to handle incoming mail and have implemented safety measures like duress buttons and bullet-proof glass in the new elections center. During voting, an emergency operations center involving local law enforcement and election officials is set up to address any potential security threats. The county is also deploying new technology, such as GPS tracking devices for polling place workers, to enhance security during elections. Despite the challenges, election officials in Durham show resilience and dedication to preserving democracy in the face of threats and challenges.
The survey of local election officials conducted by the Brennan Center took place between February and March and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. The majority of respondents recognized the need for financial investments to support election security in the coming years. While the environment around elections has become more volatile since 2020, election officials are adapting quickly to ensure the safety of infrastructure, workers, and voters. The challenges faced by election officials underscore the importance of supporting and protecting those who are on the front lines of ensuring fair and secure elections.
