Dear John,
The Brennan Center polled nearly 600 local election officials about their recent experiences administering elections — some of their responses were nothing short of disturbing. Many were targeted by racist and sexist harassment. Some even received death threats that named their young children.
These attacks have forced election officials across the country — some of whom have been serving for decades without issue — to take previously unthinkable steps like hiring personal security, fleeing their homes, and putting their children into counseling. Here’s just some of what we found:
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1 in 6 local election officials have been threatened because of their jobs
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2 in 3 say the spread of misinformation on social media makes their jobs more dangerous
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1 in 5 plan to leave their positions before the 2024 election
These attacks put the future of free, safe, and fairly administered elections at risk. It is critical for Congress to confront this dangerous trend. Our representatives must provide funding for election officials’ physical security and online privacy. They must also enact legislation that prohibits intimidating election workers who are simply carrying out their administrative duties.
Please take a moment to add your voice: Tell Congress to protect election officials from partisan attacks.
Election officials should not have to endure racist harassment, physical threats, or doxing. They should not be subjected to someone showing up at their door to make a “citizen’s arrest,” as was recently disclosed by an election worker in Georgia. They need Congress to step in so they can continue to do their work in a nonpartisan way.
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We can’t let conspiracy theorists spewing lies undermine the legitimacy of our elections. Congress must act now to address these very real threats to our democracy.
Thank you for taking action on behalf of election officials,
The Brennan Center for Justice
P.S. If you’re able, please consider supporting the Brennan Center so we can continue to fight for free and fair elections in the midterms and beyond.
