Last summer, a candidate for the New Mexico state House, Peña, who had previously sent threatening emails to election officials, was arrested and charged with organizing drive-by shootings targeting public officials. This incident reflects an increasingly tense era in American politics, fueled by Trump’s lies about election theft. Election offices across the country are preparing for the upcoming 2024 presidential campaign by implementing various security upgrades such as ballistic windows, security cameras, and location trackers on ballot boxes. The Republican Party’s continued dissemination of lies about election integrity has prompted election officials to gear up for what promises to be an even more intense presidential contest this year.
In response to the spike in violent threats against election workers, the Justice Department established the Election Threats Task Force in 2021, resulting in charges against 20 individuals for interstate election threats. Despite this federal response, election workers continue to face numerous security issues, including threats of violence and attempts to copy data from sensitive equipment. Election officials are implementing a mix of background checks, digital protections, and physical measures to enhance security. The Department of Homeland Security has also been providing security assessments to state and local officials to identify weaknesses and recommend necessary investments.
The Trump era has led to a wave of resignations among veteran election administrators, who are choosing to leave the field due to increased scrutiny and attacks from Republicans. Elections workers are facing threats and defamation campaigns at a national level, causing many to feel vulnerable and choose to retire or change fields. Election administrators are conducting tabletop exercises to simulate various emergency scenarios, such as weather incidents, ransomware attacks, and active shooters to test their emergency procedures. These exercises help prepare election officials for incidents that are becoming increasingly likely in the current political climate.
As elections approach, officials are focusing on incorporating disinformation scenarios into their tabletop exercises, preparing for potential threats to the democratic process. Despite the challenges and risks faced by election workers, they remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of voters. Election administrators like Bowens emphasize that there is a plan in place to respond to any threats or incidents that may arise. They want voters to know that they are prepared to handle any challenges and ensure the integrity of the democratic process.
