Nearly 40 percent of election officials report experiencing “threats, harassment or abuse” and 54 percent are concerned about the safety of their colleagues, according to a report that surveyed more than 925 local election officials in February and March. The report, released Wednesday by the Brennan Center for Justice, also found that 62% are concerned about political leaders’ attempting to interfere with how election officials do their jobs, NBC News reports. Growing security concerns in part are due to former President Donald Trump insisting that the 2020 election was “stolen” because election workers manipulated results.
Now, many local jurisdictions say they need more money for more security and more training about what to do should a threat to the safety of election workers arise. They are also struggling with turnover, due to high dropout rates related to both retirement and security concerns. “Election officials are adjusting to ensure workers and voters are safe. The numbers around threats, harassment and interference remain unacceptably high, but election officials aren’t being passive in the face of this hostile environment. They are investing in security trainings, increasing physical and cybersecurity measures, and building stronger networks with emergency management services,” said Lawrence Norden, senior director of elections and government at the Brennan Center, part of the New York University School of Law.