ATLANTA – Four years ago, Deidre Holden, the Paulding County election director, received a bomb threat via email just days before the highly contentious January 2021 U.S. Senate runoff elections. This incident marked a stark change in the election landscape, transforming what was once a busy but routine season into a stressful and dangerous environment.
“Elections are a different world now,” she says, emphasizing the necessity of survival training in the planning process.
The threat did not paralyze her with fear, but fueled her determination to protect the electoral process. “It made me angry that people were trying to hurt us and the electoral process,” she expressed, looking out her office window in Dallas, Georgia.
The FBI investigated the bomb threat, leading Holden to take proactive measures alongside poll managers across the nation, particularly in crucial battleground states like Georgia. Collaborative training sessions with law enforcement have become essential.
Preparing for Potential Threats
Various organizations have emerged to safeguard election workers, voters, and the integrity of the electoral process. One key player is the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE), which provides training for election workers and law enforcement to navigate the increasingly violent climate surrounding elections.
“Our goal is to bring both groups together to learn about each other’s roles, practices, and responsibilities,” states Chris Harvey, a co-founder of CSSE, and former Georgia elections director. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the challenges posed by threats following the contentious 2020 elections.
A police officer, Harvey himself faced a death threat the day before a significant runoff election, which ultimately prompted him to shift his focus to training law enforcement in election safety.
CSSE has led training programs in approximately 30 states to enhance coordination between poll managers and police officers, highlighting scenarios from typical voting day challenges to potential violent encounters.
Recent training in Brunswick included discussions on managing issues such as confrontational voters, unauthorized poll watchers, and the presence of firearms at polling places. Harvey noted that in most cases, clear communication can help resolve conflicts without escalating to police intervention.
Addressing Voter Intimidation Concerns
Training workshops often grapple with the balance between ensuring the safety of voters and election workers while avoiding unnecessary intimidation. Historical contexts around law enforcement at polling places, particularly in the South, introduce complexities to this challenge.
“We need to be careful not to replicate painful historical images,” warns Andra Gillespie, a political science professor at Emory University, urging caution as officers engage with voters, especially marginalized communities.
Harvey concurs, suggesting alternatives such as deploying plainclothes officers to maintain a low profile around polling sites.
Emergency Preparedness
As threats such as bomb scares and voter intimidation loom, the workshops also cover broader emergency response strategies. Establishing relationships before crises arise ensures seamless collaboration during actual emergencies.
“You never want to get someone’s business card for the first time in the middle of a crisis,” Harvey stresses, indicating the critical need for preemptive communication.
In an inquiry about election day safety, Deputy Sheriff Steve McKinney highlighted his renewed commitment to prioritizing the security of poll workers in light of rising tensions during elections.
Amidst increased challenges, the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections is distributing pocket-sized booklets containing vital provisions of Georgia’s election code to inform law enforcement of their responsibilities during elections, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order.
Perseverance in the Face of Threats
Holden’s resolve remains unwavering post-threat. She has implemented numerous security enhancements at her polling locations, such as installing security cameras and improving physical access controls. These measures complement her involvement in active shooter training sessions.
“I love what I do. And I’m not going to be bullied; I’m not going to be threatened for doing it,” she declares with conviction, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.
