Election Officers Sent to Shield Workers from Escalating Threats

The Biden administration deploys district election officers to safeguard election workers amid rising threats, aiming to ensure a secure electoral process.

At a Glance

District election officers will coordinate with the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force on Election Day.
The task force has reviewed over 2,000 reports of threats against election workers since 2021.
Election officials nationwide are implementing enhanced security measures.
Concerns grow over the use of AI and anonymizing technology in election-related threats.

Biden Administration Takes Action to Protect Election Workers

The Justice Department, under the Biden administration, is taking decisive steps to address the escalating threats faced by election workers across the United States. In a move to bolster election security, district election officers are being deployed to monitor and respond to potential threats on Election Day. This initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure the safety of those who facilitate it.

Attorney General Merrick Garland has emphasized the critical nature of this issue, stating, “A functioning democracy requires that the public servants who administer our elections are able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives.” This statement underscores the administration’s commitment to protecting the democratic process and those who uphold it.

Rising Threats and Security Measures

Since the 2020 election, there has been an alarming increase in threats against election workers. The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, established in 2021, has reviewed over 2,000 reports of threats. This surge in hostile behavior has led to significant concerns about the safety of election officials and volunteers, with many leaving their positions due to fear for their personal safety.

“This isn’t going to be taken lightly. It’s not going to be trivialized.” – John Keller

In response to these challenges, election offices across the country are implementing enhanced security measures. Cobb County, Georgia, for instance, is stationing sheriff’s deputies at early voting locations and installing panic buttons for poll managers. Los Angeles County and Durham County are taking more drastic steps, including the installation of bulletproof glass and security cameras.

Comprehensive Approach to Election Security

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency has conducted over 1,000 security assessments for election offices in 2023 alone. This comprehensive approach includes training election workers in de-escalation techniques and active shooter responses, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the threats they face.

Law enforcement presence is being increased at election offices, particularly during critical periods such as ballot counting and result certification. This heightened security is aimed at deterring potential threats and ensuring a smooth electoral process.

Emerging Concerns: AI and Anonymizing Technologies

The Department of Justice has raised alarms about the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, in generating and spreading threats against election workers. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco has highlighted the growing concern over anonymizing technology and AI being used to mask identities and disseminate misinformation, including deepfakes.

In response to these technological challenges, 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 adapting to new forms of threats and ensuring that those who use technology to intimidate election workers are held accountable.

As the 2024 election approaches, the Biden administration’s deployment of district election officers serves as a crucial step in safeguarding the democratic process. By addressing threats to election workers and implementing comprehensive security measures, the administration aims to maintain public trust in elections and protect those who work tirelessly to uphold the foundation of American democracy.