Panic button, bulletproof glass: How US poll officials are preparing for threats

Election officials across the United States are increasing security measures for the upcoming November 5 presidential election to protect workers, voters, and ensure the integrity of the ballot-counting process. The actions have been prompted by rising threats of political violence, including two assassination attempts on Republican nominee Donald Trump, as well as incidents targeting election offices since the 2020 election.

Cobb County, Georgia, for example, has introduced panic buttons at polling locations and increased law enforcement presence after a poll worker encountered a voter carrying a gun. Local election directors are also working closely with law enforcement to prevent any disruptions during the election, according to news agency Associated Press (AP).

Tate Fall, Cobb County’s election director, took action after hearing from a poll worker who faced an armed, agitated voter during Georgia's presidential primary in March.

Though the situation ended peacefully, Fall noted, “That made it really real for me -- that it’s so easy for something to go sideways in life, period, let alone the environment of Georgia and elections.”

Jen Easterly, head of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, expressed her frustration over increasing threats to election workers.

“These folks, they are not doing it for pay. They’re doing it because they believe it’s the right thing to do to defend our democracy,” she said, reported AP.

Election offices nationwide have faced harassment, including shootings, “swatting” attacks, and threats by mail.

Some mails even contained harmful substances like fentanyl. In response, many election offices have adopted stricter security protocols, such as installing bulletproof glass, badge readers, and security cameras.

Election workers are also being trained to handle potentially hazardous mail and respond to emergencies.

Dean Logan, head of Los Angeles County’s election operations, emphasised that securing elections is vital.

"It’s important to me that we can tell voters they don’t have to be worried about the security of their ballots," he said.

In places like Durham County, North Carolina, and Washoe County, Nevada, election directors highlighted the increased role of security in their operations, with emergency plans and drills becoming a standard part of election preparations.

Romilda Crocamo, County Manager of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, stated that 40% of her election staff’s time is now spent on security planning and coordination with law enforcement.

“It seems that people are very emotional, and sometimes that emotion escalates,” she said, reported AP.

Election officials are balancing security with the need to maintain open and welcoming polling places for voters. The experiences of 2020, such as the tense protests in Detroit, have prompted major security upgrades at polling sites across the country.