Election Offices Tighten Security After Threats

A survey of more than 800 local election officials found nearly one-third had experienced threats, harassment or abuse because of their jobs, according to a Brennan Center for Justice survey cited by MyNorthwest on Aug. 4. The findings come as election offices in Washington state add cameras, window protection, staff training and other safeguards after threats against workers and the 2024 ballot-box fires in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Julie Wise, King County’s elections director, told MyNorthwest that staff had received death threats. The FBI is still seeking information on the ballot-box fire suspect and is offering a reward of up to $25,000. ### Which offices are changing security procedures? King County elections officials said they have added security cameras, new staff training and ballistic film on facility windows, according to MyNorthwest. Steve Barron, the county’s ballot collection and logistics supervisor, said ballot drop boxes are bolted to the ground, include fire-suppression canisters and use tamper-resistant seals. (mynorthwest.com) Pierce County officials have also added bullet-resistant coating to some glass and brought in an armed deputy to monitor their ballot-processing facility during elections, MyNorthwest reported. The National Association of Secretaries of State says physical security and contingency planning are now central parts of election administration, alongside cybersecurity and voter education. (mynorthwest.com) ### What happened in Vancouver and Portland? The FBI said improvised incendiary devices were placed on a ballot drop box in Vancouver on Oct. 8, 2024, and on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver and Portland on Oct. 28, 2024. The bureau said it is seeking help identifying a suspect connected to fires at two ballot boxes in Vancouver and one in Portland. The FBI said the suspect vehicle was an early 2003 to 2004 dark-colored Volvo S-60 sedan with dark wheels and a light-colored interior. (mynorthwest.com) The bureau described the driver as a white male about 30 to 40 years old with thinning hair and said investigators believe he may have experience with metal work and welding. ### What are election workers saying about the threat climate? (fbi.gov) Julie Wise, who has led King County elections for 26 years, told MyNorthwest that the current climate is different from earlier periods in election administration. “Staff has unfortunately received death threats,” Wise said, adding that the problem was not limited to King County. (fbi.gov) The Brennan Center survey cited by MyNorthwest found 52% of respondents were concerned for the safety of their colleagues, and 23% said they worried about being assaulted at work or at home. MyNorthwest also noted that election offices in five states, including Washington, received suspicious mail in 2023 that sometimes contained fentanyl. (mynorthwest.com) ### How are officials trying to protect both workers and public confidence? King County’s Barron told MyNorthwest that his team has built contingency plans for a range of threats and uses physical safeguards on drop boxes and facilities. The National Association of Secretaries of State says election administration is a state and local responsibility that depends on coordination, incident planning and public-facing guidance for voters reporting irregularities. (mynorthwest.com) MyNorthwest reported that officials are also emphasizing transparency measures as they harden facilities. That combination — visible safeguards, documented procedures and public information — is what election administrators say they are using to protect workers and voting systems while keeping polling and ballot operations accessible. (mynorthwest.com) ### What comes next before voters cast more ballots? The FBI said anyone with information about the Vancouver and Portland ballot-box fires can submit tips through the bureau, and the reward remains in place. The Associated Press’ 2026 election calendar says primaries continue through the summer before the November general election, keeping local election offices in active preparation mode. (fbi.gov) (mynorthwest.com)