
The Department of Justice’s latest move to deploy election officers aims to safeguard voting integrity and protect election workers nationwide from growing threats.
At a Glance
- DOJ deploys election officers to protect workers ahead of Election Day.
- The Election Threats Task Force reviews over 2,000 threat reports.
- DOJ vows serious action against threats to democracy.
- Collaboration with FBI and local law enforcement ensures election safety.
Elections Under Siege
America’s election landscape is confronting an unprecedented level of threat. The Justice Department, through its Election Threats Task Force and newly deployed district election officers, is determined to secure not just the integrity of the voting process itself but the safety of the individuals who carry it out. This action results from an observable spike in threats against election workers nationwide. The FBI Director and Attorney General both emphasize that these threats directly strike at the heart of democracy.
In response, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland remarked, “We have no tolerance for this kind of heinous criminal conduct,” as the DOJ continues pursuing those responsible for these threats with all the resources available. This includes a collaborative approach where district elections officers and FBI agents work closely with local law enforcement to address threats and safeguard American elections.
During yesterday’s Election Threats Task Force meeting, AG Garland noted DOJ’s accelerated #ElectionSecurity efforts to combat the increase in threats against election workers, officials, and volunteers. pic.twitter.com/YfIGWxuZJ2
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) May 14, 2024
Proactive Measures and Real Threats
Significant steps have been made in response to what FBI Director Christopher Wray has described as “violent threats to election workers.” These include reviewing over 2,000 reported threats, of which several cases have led to criminal charges. Among recent developments, the arrest of Brian Jerry Ogstad highlighted the DOJ’s dedicated work in pursuing criminal charges for threats against election workers in Arizona during the 2022 primaries. Ogstad’s case underlines that the DOJ will release severe consequences for any attempt to intimidate poll workers.
“Violent threats to election workers are threats to our democracy and democratic process. We cannot allow threats of violence against public servants to become normalized.” – FBI Director Christopher Wray
The DOJ has orchestrated over 100 training programs with election officials to prepare them for potential threats. Furthermore, the Election Threats Task Force continues rolling out a series of strategic measures to reassure election officials that they are not alone in facing these challenges and that their safety remains a top priority.
The Deputy AG also called out the unprecedented rise in threats to public officials, including election workers, as a clear and present danger to our democracy. She stressed that DOJ will continue working with partners to hold accountable those who threaten public servants.
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) September 13, 2024
Looking Ahead
The threats and challenges faced by election workers showcase the crucial role the DOJ plays in maintaining democratic processes. As the presidential election year approaches, preparedness and safety remain vital. The message is clear: acts of intimidation or violence will not be trivialized. Federal judges and courts are taking serious action against such misconduct. These developments illustrate the DOJ’s ongoing commitment to providing election workers with the necessary tools and support they need to ensure a safe and fair electoral environment across the nation.
“What the election threats taskforce does this year is going to be critical. They have the biggest megaphone, and they need to use it to make clear that threats of violence against election workers are illegal and will not be tolerated.” – Lawrence Norden
As the DOJ leads efforts protecting election officials, public confidence in the integrity and safety of the democratic process is being fortified as the nation prepares to embark on another significant election cycle.
Sources
1. Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threats to Arizona Election Office
2. US election workers face thousands of threats – so why so few prosecutions?