WASHINGTON (AP) — Aggressive immigration enforcement in Minnesota, which resulted in the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents, coupled with the recent FBI search of the election office in Georgia’s most populous county, has led to growing concern among Democratic election officials regarding possible interference in this fall’s midterm elections.
During a recent gathering of state election officials, Democratic secretaries of state voiced their worries and outlined plans to counter potential tactics that the Trump administration may use to disturb the electoral process. Concerns raised included the presence of immigration agents near polling places and attempts to seize voting equipment.
It’s no longer just about ensuring that everyone gets their ballots and those ballots are counted securely. There’s now an election security component involving crisis scenarios, stated Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is also running for governor.
The FBI's recent raid on the Atlanta-area election center, where they seized ballots and records related to the contested 2020 election, has intensified these concerns. This incident revived former President Donald Trump's unfounded claims of widespread fraud during the 2020 presidential election.
Benson mentioned that her office is engaging in scenario planning which now incorporates responses to potential threats including bomb scares and the possible presence of immigration enforcement at polling sites. Her strategies include training sessions for local election officials to prepare for various crisis situations.
Colorado's Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, noted a shift in focus, advocating for updated contingency plans and disaster simulations involving all relevant state officials to enhance preparedness.
Concerns extend specifically to Trump administration efforts which, under the guise of legality, may infringe upon electoral integrity. Recent communications from the administration have connected immigration policies directly with voting procedures, a maneuver that has raised alarms among advocacy groups.
With increasing reports of aggressive law enforcement tactics by immigration officials, local leaders worry about voter intimidation. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows expressed fears that visible federal presence could deter residents from participating in the electoral process.
Lawmakers in Congress are rallying their concerns over this matter, with comments from figures like Senator Mark Warner emphasizing the dangers posed by arming federal agents patrolling polling locations. As the midterm elections approach, the intersection of law enforcement and electoral processes remains a focal point of discussion among officials and advocates alike.
During a recent gathering of state election officials, Democratic secretaries of state voiced their worries and outlined plans to counter potential tactics that the Trump administration may use to disturb the electoral process. Concerns raised included the presence of immigration agents near polling places and attempts to seize voting equipment.
It’s no longer just about ensuring that everyone gets their ballots and those ballots are counted securely. There’s now an election security component involving crisis scenarios, stated Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is also running for governor.
The FBI's recent raid on the Atlanta-area election center, where they seized ballots and records related to the contested 2020 election, has intensified these concerns. This incident revived former President Donald Trump's unfounded claims of widespread fraud during the 2020 presidential election.
Benson mentioned that her office is engaging in scenario planning which now incorporates responses to potential threats including bomb scares and the possible presence of immigration enforcement at polling sites. Her strategies include training sessions for local election officials to prepare for various crisis situations.
Colorado's Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, noted a shift in focus, advocating for updated contingency plans and disaster simulations involving all relevant state officials to enhance preparedness.
Concerns extend specifically to Trump administration efforts which, under the guise of legality, may infringe upon electoral integrity. Recent communications from the administration have connected immigration policies directly with voting procedures, a maneuver that has raised alarms among advocacy groups.
With increasing reports of aggressive law enforcement tactics by immigration officials, local leaders worry about voter intimidation. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows expressed fears that visible federal presence could deter residents from participating in the electoral process.
Lawmakers in Congress are rallying their concerns over this matter, with comments from figures like Senator Mark Warner emphasizing the dangers posed by arming federal agents patrolling polling locations. As the midterm elections approach, the intersection of law enforcement and electoral processes remains a focal point of discussion among officials and advocates alike.
