Local election officials across the country are facing unprecedented threats and harassment as they prepare for the upcoming presidential election. In Traverse City, Michigan, former city clerk Tina Barton has been leading efforts to train election workers on how to respond to threats and work with law enforcement to ensure their safety. The threats against Barton began after she posted a video countering false claims made by the Republican National Committee. Barton, along with former sheriff Justin Smith, has been conducting training sessions to help election officials understand and prepare for potential threats they may encounter.
The threats to election officials have intensified since the 2020 presidential election, fueled by false claims of fraud from former President Donald Trump. The pressure on election workers has led to an exodus of personnel across the country. As the nation heads towards another highly charged election, the safety and security of election offices remain a critical concern. The threats range from threatening phone calls and emails to more sophisticated tactics, like AI-generated robocalls instructing poll workers to stay home on Election Day.
Training sessions like the one in Traverse City are crucial to ensure that local election officials and law enforcement are communicating effectively and prepared to handle any threats that may arise. The training covers various scenarios that election workers may face, including dealing with disruptive individuals at polling places and responding to threatening messages. Law enforcement officials are urged to play a more proactive role in safeguarding election offices and assisting election workers in times of need.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who has also faced numerous threats, emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and election officials to ensure a smooth election process in November. Her office has been providing grants to election offices to enhance security measures, and federal agencies are also engaged in efforts to assess the physical security of local election offices. Election workers are encouraged to have access to mental health services, recognizing the increased stress and harassment they have experienced.
Despite the challenges and threats posed to election officials, many remain committed to their roles and are determined to ensure a safe and secure election process. Susanne Courtade, a longtime election official in Michigan, plans to stay for the November election and is running for another term despite facing harassment after the 2020 election. The training sessions aim to build trust between election officials and law enforcement, emphasizing the shared goal of conducting a safe, secure, and fair election.
As the nation braces for another presidential election, local election workers are on the front lines of defending democracy. The trainings conducted by Barton and Smith seek to empower election officials to respond effectively to threats and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. With the support of law enforcement and government agencies, election officials are better equipped to handle the challenges they may face in the coming months. Despite the heightened tensions and risks, election officials remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the democratic process and preserving the integrity of elections.
