Heightened Security for Election Workers: Panic Buttons, Bulletproof Gear, and More
BRIGHTON, Colorado ‒ Security measures like bulletproof glass, surveillance cameras, and panic buttons are becoming standard.
Josh Zygielbaum, the elected clerk and recorder for Adams County, Colorado, usually fills his days with tasks such as officiating marriages and processing vehicle licenses. However, as the lead official for elections during the contentious 2024 presidential race, safety issues have become a significant part of his daily responsibilities.
Recently, someone trailed Zygielbaum to his home, leading the local sheriff to suggest that he wear body armor. His team keeps Narcan handy in the office in case of fentanyl incidents, and an episode involving a ballot contaminated with white powder caused temporary delays in counting votes.
“Regrettably, this has turned into a routine aspect of our lives,” Zygielbaum stated.
Once viewed as among the most low-key roles in a functioning democracy, the position of county clerk has become more precarious, even in a relatively unremarkable suburban area of Denver that is unlikely to sway the outcome of the presidential election. Zygielbaum, along with other election officials nationwide, is grappling with an increase in aggressive threats.
This week, election officials in 15 states, including Nebraska, received suspicious packages. One contained white powder and had a return address reading “US Traitor Elimination Army.”
With two recent assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump and many of his supporters indicating they would reject election results unless he wins, the anxiety surrounding threats to election offices is palpable, according to experts.
Some threats originate from upset voters, while others have been linked to foreign factions aiming to increase chaos and division.
“It’s absurd because the ones organizing elections are just regular folks from our community,” Zygielbaum explained. “You might bump into them at the grocery store, church, or when walking their dogs.”
Since the elections of 2020, the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force has apprehended and charged around twelve individuals for threatening election personnel, whereas actual instances of voter fraud are extremely rare, experts point out.
In a recent statement, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat and president of the National Association of Secretaries of State, remarked that the threats are indicative of a “worrying trend” as the November 5 election nears. While he acknowledges the public’s right to ask reasonable questions concerning election procedures, he notes that some individuals are being misled into hostility.
“Our democracy should not tolerate any form of political violence, intimidation, or threats,” Simon emphasized in his recent statement.
Election Workers Implementing Enhanced Security Measures
Election officials, like Zygielbaum, are introducing various strategies to improve their safety, noted Tammy Patrick, CEO of programs at the National Association of Election Officials.
“This election cycle, I believe election officials are more prepared than ever before,” she expressed. “In my first 16 years in this role, I didn’t meet a single election official wearing a Kevlar vest. Now, many of them do.”
Additional national security measures being adopted include:
- In Washoe County, Nevada, officials have created glass-front viewing booths for the public to monitor ballot counting without disturbing staff.
- Arizona’s Maricopa County has provided “de-escalation” training for election workers to help minimize confrontations.
- In Georgia, election workers Steps are being taken to prepare for ransomware incidents and “swatting” calls related to elections.
- In Los Angeles County, all election mail is being inspected with the help of trained dogs.
Concerns Grow Over Criticism Leading to Unrest
Patrick is alarmed by the escalating threats directed at election officials.
“The problem is that we cannot predict what’s coming next, and how it might be used against the credibility of the election,” she expressed.
She emphasized that the aim of malicious individuals is more than mere disruption; they seek to cultivate an atmosphere where the public feels unable to trust any information.
Patrick fears that any mistakes made by election staff will be exaggerated or used to cast doubt on election results.
“Any error could lead to significant consequences, and it can even be something that isn’t an actual mistake,” she added. “If truth is disregarded, regardless of the actions taken, anyone can still be targeted for various reasons.”
In Brighton, Adams County Clerk Zygielbaum stated that his focus is on conducting the best election possible with his team of 13 full-time staff members.
“I am completely confident that our elections are precise,” he declared.
He mentioned that each election provides learning opportunities to address any identified weaknesses. He expressed his frustration over some voters being misled into skepticism or outright denial of election legitimacy due to external pressures.
“There are individuals who, regardless of the information provided, will not accept that the election is legitimate. Sadly, this was not the case in the past; people had faith in the system,” he lamented.
“The bedrock of our nation is our democratic system. Disrupting it jeopardizes the stability of the United States.”