White House Security. (file photo)
Security measures have been increased due to growing threats and allegations of fraud during the US elections. Which includes bulletproof glass, shooter training and deployment of the National Guard. Let us tell you that, fearing violence, US election offices have significantly beefed up security measures since 2020.
Many states have reinforced facilities with bulletproof glass, installed steel doors, and provided shooter and de-escalation training to staff. As Election Day approaches, officials across the country conducted security drills, identifying criminal threats and working closely with authorities.
This year, security protocols have been enhanced to better prepare for potential incidents, according to media reports, many offices have trained poll workers on de-escalation strategies and equipped polling places with emergency kits, including trauma kits and panic buttons.
Shannon Hiller, executive director of the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton University, said we should not view such planning and preparation as a guarantee that there will be violence. You don’t do a fire drill because you’re sure there will be a fire next week. This preparation helps us feel more secure.
Election denial has intensified since former President Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election, raising concerns among election officials. Trump has not yet confirmed whether he will accept the results of the 2024 election, suggesting without evidence that his opponent, Kamala Harris, and Democrats could try to manipulate the result.
These claims have fueled fear, particularly in swing states, where officials in Arizona and Michigan have reported growing threats. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, revealed that he now wears a bulletproof vest and wants to protect voter information. He said he feared for his safety if their identities became public.
Some states are activating the National Guard for Election Day. Washington DC Police Chief Pamela Smith announced that more than 3,000 officers would work 12-hour shifts to manage security. Washington Governor Jay Inslee also referenced the arson attack on the polls when he activated the Guard, explaining that their help may be needed to protect election infrastructure. In other states, such as Nevada, guards are on alert, although Governor Joe Lombardo said the deployment may not be necessary.
Federal and state officials are cracking down on threats, and the federal government created a task force that recently filed charges against people accused of threatening election workers. In one case, an Arizona man admitted to sending violent messages to election officials, and several states have enacted new laws since 2020 aimed at protecting election workers.
