A bipartisan panel of four secretaries of state from key battleground states discussed election preparedness on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.” Despite threats to election workers in the past, they are ready to execute a safe and secure presidential election. Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt mentioned a new election threat task force prepared to respond quickly to any potential threats or ugliness that may arise. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger stated that there are enough volunteers to be election workers in Georgia, emphasizing that the counties have done a great job of recruitment. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson expressed her focus on protecting election workers and democracy, highlighting the need to safeguard those who play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Each secretary of state acknowledged that they had personally received threats since the 2020 election. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes labeled threats against elections officials in the U.S. as domestic terrorism, emphasizing the intimidation tactics used to prevent election officials from carrying out their responsibilities. Al Schmidt agreed, stating that the purpose of these threats is to terrorize and intimidate officials at various levels of government, hindering the proper functioning of the democratic system. The secretaries also addressed the issue of misinformation, citing it as a significant challenge that needs to be addressed throughout the electoral process.
The secretaries discussed specific changes and improvements in their states’ election processes. Brad Raffensperger mentioned that election officials in Georgia are now allowed to prescan and preprocess mail-in ballots, resulting in quicker release of results. Al Schmidt stressed the importance of informing voters about these changes, ensuring that they understand how new processes may impact their voting experience, the timing of ballot counting, and the overall transparency of the electoral system. Jocelyn Benson emphasized the importance of transparency and encouraged citizens to ask questions, serve as election workers, and witness firsthand the multiple layers of security in place to preserve the integrity of the voting process.
In conclusion, the secretaries of state reaffirmed their commitment to upholding democracy by safeguarding the electoral process, protecting election workers, and addressing threats and misinformation effectively. Despite the challenges and threats faced by election officials, they remain dedicated to ensuring fair, secure, and transparent elections in their states. Through cooperation, vigilance, and public engagement, they aim to build trust in the electoral system and promote confidence in the legitimacy of election outcomes. By sharing insights, addressing concerns, and actively working to counter misinformation, they strive to maintain the integrity and credibility of the democratic process for all citizens.
