Imagine a world where panic buttons for poll workers, tactical teams stationed on rooftops, and the National Guard on alert become the norm. Well, that’s the scene in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Tensions are running high, prompting unprecedented security measures for Election Day. Fears of civil disturbances, potential election fraud, and violence aimed at election workers have sent the nation into a heightened state of alert.
States like Oregon, Washington, and Nevada have officially called in the National Guard, while the FBI has set up a command center to keep an eye on any possible threats. This year, security has been fortified at nearly 100,000 polling locations across the country. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 19 states, including crucial battlegrounds like Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada, have enacted new election security laws since 2020.
Recent polls indicate a fierce race, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump neck and neck.
In response to the swirling unease, election officials aren’t just reinforcing physical barriers; they’re amplifying security for voting operations nationwide. Runbeck Election Services, which specializes in election security technology, announced to AFP that it has procured around 1,000 panic buttons for various clients, including election offices and staff. These handy devices can be worn around the neck or tucked into a pocket and connect to the user’s cell phone, allowing them to communicate with law enforcement in emergencies.
Officials in the seven most scrutinized swing states are eager to project an image of confidence regarding the security and integrity of the election. “In Georgia, it’s easy to vote and tough to cheat. Our systems are secure, and our personnel are primed for action,” stated Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger during a press conference. He cautioned, however, that fringe groups might inject some “extra drama” into the mix.
Security barriers now stand vigilant outside the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix.
Despite the controversies surrounding former President Trump and his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia, Mr. Raffensperger remains optimistic about the safety of the upcoming election. Arizona has taken the added step of reinforcing its primary election and ballot counting facility, located in Maricopa County, transforming it into a fortified stronghold. With wrought-iron gates, barbed wire, armed personnel, and even a SWAT team stationed on the roof, the state aims to protect its electoral process from any potential unrest.
The goal? To not only enhance physical safety but also seek to dispel misinformation and reassure voters about the election’s security. Taylor Kinnerup, communications director for the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office, remarked, “Since January 2021, we’ve bolstered security by expanding badge access, erecting permanent barriers, and implementing additional cybersecurity protocols based on expert advice from law enforcement.”
When it comes to security layers, Pennsylvania’s Department of State, which oversees elections in the largest swing state, claims to have adopted a multi-faceted approach, partnering with law enforcement and security agencies. However, specific details have yet to be disclosed. These new safety measures are a substantial response to the chaotic fallout from the 2020 election, particularly following the violent January 6 insurrection, where Trump supporters attempted to halt the certification of President Biden’s victory.
Officials are also alerting the public about significant cyber threats, particularly those originating internationally. According to Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, countries like Russia, Iran, and China are involved in orchestrating campaigns to undermine American trust in electoral legitimacy and incite partisan discord. This ever-looming “firehose of disinformation,” she noted, poses tangible threats to election workers, officials, and their families.
There is also increasing scrutiny on social media platforms such as Telegram, where right-wing groups are reportedly rallying to organize poll watchers who may challenge votes in predominantly Democratic districts.
Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., security authorities have warned of a “fluid and unpredictable environment” expected in the days, and possibly even weeks, following the election. Businesses in the capital have started boarding their windows, bracing for possible unrest.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
