A recent study conducted among local election officials throughout the United States has revealed alarming trends. The survey, which collected responses from over 925 officials in February and March, discovered that 38% reported experiencing "threats, harassment, or abuse," while 54% expressed concerns about the safety of their colleagues. The report, released by the Brennan Center for Justice, also highlighted that 62% of respondents are worried about political leaders attempting to interfere with their duties.
Additionally, 13% of the officials expressed concerns about facing pressure to certify results in favor of a specific candidate or party. Despite these challenges, election officials are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of workers and voters. Lawrence Norden, senior director of elections and government at the Brennan Center, noted that officials are investing in security training, increasing physical and cybersecurity measures, and strengthening networks with emergency management services.
The aftermath of the 2020 election, marked by false claims of election fraud, continues to impact election workers. Former President Donald Trump and his supporters have propagated these claims, alleging that the election was "stolen." Such narratives have contributed to a hostile environment for election officials, with reports of threats and intimidation.
In response to these challenges, many local jurisdictions are requesting more funding for increased security and training. However, turnover remains a significant concern, as officials struggle to find new hires amidst high dropout rates due to retirement and security concerns. According to the survey, one in five officials are unlikely to continue serving in the 2026 midterms, and 27% are aware of colleagues who have left their jobs due to safety concerns.
Overall, while the numbers around threats, harassment, and interference are alarming, election officials are actively working to address these challenges and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.