(NewsNation) — More than one-third of local election officials around the country report they’ve experienced “threats, harassment or abuse.” And more than half worry about the safety of their colleagues, according to a new survey.
The Brennan Center for Justice survey of 928 elections workers also found that 62% of them worry about their elected bosses trying to interfere with how election workers do their jobs.
And, while it’s a small percentage, it’s the biggest fear in the elections business: 13% say they’re concerned about pressure to certify an election in favor of a specific candidate or party.
The solution for most appears to be upgrading security.
“They are investing in security trainings, increasing physical and cybersecurity measures,” said Lawrence Norden, senior director of elections and government at the Brennan Center. That includes strengthening ties with emergency management services.
Among the survey’s key takeaways:
- 92% have increased security for voters, election workers and the “election infrastructure”
- 38% report experiencing threats, harassment or abuse
- 28% say they worry about threats to their families
- 76% have shared election details with law enforcement
- 83% say their departments’ budgets must grow to meet security needs
Security issues in local election departments come at time when turnover is also a big concern. A recent study by the Bipartisan Policy Center found that at least 36% of local election offices have changed leadership since 2020, and 39% of jurisdictions had new leadership from four years earlier. Both numbers are the highest four-year turnover rates in 20 years.