Federal authorities are working with county election officials and law enforcement in Southern California to prepare for Election Day, a move that will bring widespread oversight of elections amid concerns about threats to public safety and democracy. This is part of a national initiative.
For several months, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California has been leading preparedness efforts to prevent threats of violence against poll workers, election security violations, and voting law violations in seven counties covered by the U.S. Attorney’s Office: I was able to do it. , Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and San Luis Obispo County. Similar efforts are being carried out across the country under the leadership of the Department of Justice.
In Southern California, officials announced that FBI special agents will be on hand at offices throughout the country on Election Day.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, who has been meeting with state and federal authorities to plan and prepare for Nov. 5, said he has heard numerous concerns from the public in recent months. .
“Everyone is talking about this election being very contentious and causing anxiety,” Luna said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to community meetings where community members are worried about their safety. So we want to make sure people feel safe voting, both here in Los Angeles County and elsewhere. In fact, I hope it gets better.”
“We have to be concerned. If you look at the rhetoric, there are two sides to it. We always tell people that it’s okay to disagree, but we can’t bump fists. You cannot act on your desire for violence,” Luna said. “We’re ready to respond. We’re ready to investigate. If anything has to do with the election, we’re ready to file a case with the district attorney’s office.”
Since 2020, election workers and polling places across the country have tightened safety measures in response to abuse and harassment by officials, according to a study conducted this year by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. More than a third of election workers surveyed reported experiencing harassment, intimidation, or abuse.
Voters cast their votes during the early voting process at a polling place ahead of the 2024 US presidential election on October 27, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images
On the other hand, allegations of election fraud and voting security are also concerns. On Monday, incendiary devices were placed in ballot boxes in two cities, Portland, Oregon, and neighboring Vancouver, Washington, destroying hundreds of votes, according to the Associated Press. One official described it as a “direct attack on democracy.”
Political leaders have also been targeted. On Tuesday, a man convicted of breaking into the home of House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi and beating her husband with a hammer in 2022 was sentenced to life in prison after a state trial.
The Justice Department’s Election Threat Task Force was created in 2021 due to concerns about intimidation and violence against public officials, poll workers, election officials, and political candidates.
In addition to allegations of violence, the federal task force is also handling allegations of harassment, including swatting calls (fabricated 911 calls intended for SWAT response) targeting election workers. Currently, the task force has listed 20 cases online involving intimidation of election officials, political candidates, etc., some of whom have already been convicted, and others that are still ongoing. There is also.
Those cases range from a San Diego man accused of leaving voicemails threatening violence against election workers to a Florida man accused of threatening to kill a key opponent in a 2021 congressional race. It includes a variety of incidents. Some of the more violent incidents involve a former candidate for Congress in New Mexico. Mexico is accused of masterminding a mass shooting targeting election workers in 2022, and a Kentucky man also pleaded guilty to shooting a mayoral candidate in the same year.
While announcing ongoing efforts in Southern California, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said federal authorities are committed to protecting the functioning of our democracy and the safety of those tasked with handling ballots. Ta.
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy,” Estrada said in a statement. “My office will take great care to ensure that every citizen can vote freely and fairly, without interference or discrimination. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to work safely. yeah.”
In Southern California, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas F. Rybarczyk has been appointed district elections official to lead efforts to prevent election-related crimes in the region.
Last week, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a stark warning ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
“As Election Day approaches, the Department of Justice’s warning remains clear: Anyone who unlawfully intimidates election workers, officials, or volunteers will face consequences,” Garland said in a statement. We announced the progress of four related cases. “For our democracy to function, Americans who serve our people must be able to do their jobs without fear for their lives.”
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Marissa Wenske
