Election officials across the country are taking unprecedented measures to ensure the safety and security of polling places during the ongoing presidential race. With the rise of hostile and violent behavior towards poll workers and voters, election officials are facing new challenges and are implementing strict security measures to protect everyone involved in the election process.
The once-routine task of running elections in America has become increasingly fraught with risk, as poll workers face harassment, threats, and chaotic protests. This has led to many election officials leaving the industry, while those who remain are taking drastic steps to protect their staff and voters. Some officials are even offering pay incentives to encourage poll workers to stay on during this stressful time.
In interviews with NBC News, county and state election officials shared details of their security plans. In Maricopa County, Arizona, which has been a hotbed of conspiracy theories and protests, security measures are being taken to the extreme. The tabulation center will have snipers on the roof, metal detectors and security at every entrance, drones for surveillance, and security cameras and floodlights to monitor the area. There will also be two layers of security fencing and some workers will be bused in from off-site parking to accommodate the increased security measures.
Stephen Richer, a Republican and the Maricopa County Recorder, stated that no expense has been spared for the 2022 election. He also mentioned that local law enforcement is fully committed to ensuring the safety of the polling places.
In Cobb County, Georgia, the sheriff’s office will have officers present at every early voting site and patrolling local precincts. The county has also set up an emergency operations center to monitor CCTV cameras and social media for any potential disturbances at the polls. Tate Fall, the county’s director of elections, stated that the cameras will also be used to monitor traffic and long lines.
In Gwinnett County, the sheriff’s office will be overseeing security at all polling sites, including those in unincorporated areas that are typically monitored by local police. The local schools will be closed on Election Day, so school police officers will be deployed at polling sites. Additionally, the election office will have police officers, who have been specifically trained for election-related security, monitoring early voting and absentee ballot counting.
In Detroit, Michigan, poll worker pay has been doubled in 2022 in hopes of attracting more qualified personnel. Those who agree to work three shifts counting absentee ballots in the convention center, where baseless allegations of fraud were made in 2020, will make $2,250.
In Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, police will be shutting down the street outside the building where election results are tabulated to control access. Aaron Dobson, inspector for the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, stated that this measure is being taken to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the election process.
In Colorado, where counties are required to undergo an election-related security analysis, the state is providing funds for recommended security upgrades. This includes upgrading locks and cameras, as well as installing bulletproof glass and purchasing bulletproof vests. Poll workers in Colorado will also receive an additional $3 an hour in pay, the same premium rate they received in 2020.
A new state law in Colorado also requires 24/7 surveillance of election equipment and keycard access to protect against insider threats. Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, stated that they are also preparing for threats stemming from artificial intelligence. She mentioned that they have layers of security in place, including military and law enforcement, to protect their cyber support systems. However, the most important security measure is voting on paper, which cannot be hacked.
Griswold and her staff routinely face threats, with one person being arrested while she was in the hospital giving birth. Despite this, she stated that they are taking all necessary precautions and are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the election process.
In conclusion, election officials across the country are ramping up their security measures to protect poll workers and voters during this increasingly hostile environment. These measures include increased law enforcement presence, surveillance, and pay incentives for poll workers. With the rise of threats and violence, it is crucial that every effort is made to ensure a safe and fair election. Let us all do our part in promoting a peaceful and democratic election process.
