State election workers are feeling more anxious because of increasing threats before the 2024 vote.
As the countdown to Election Day ticks closer, the issue of election integrity takes center stage with former President Donald Trump’s persistent claims of a stolen 2020 election. Last week, election officials from seven battleground states met in Atlanta to discuss preparations for the upcoming election. Four individuals, representing both major parties, shared their experiences and concerns with CBS News, emphasizing the ongoing stress and anxiety in their roles, along with their unwavering belief in the fairness of the electoral process.
Reflecting on the upcoming election, Republican Gabriel Sterling of Georgia’s office of secretary of state expressed mixed emotions, stating, “I feel like it should be joy, but there’s some angst.” Highlighting his apprehension about potential violence by disgruntled individuals, Sterling voiced a prevailing concern among election officials.
Michigan’s Secretary of State, Democrat Jocelyn Benson, disclosed the harrowing reality of receiving daily threats through various channels, including voicemails, emails, social media, and in-person encounters. Benson’s personal experience with escalating threats underscored the alarming consequences of misinformation and deception surrounding the electoral process.
Similarly, Republican Bill Gates of Arizona’s Maricopa County candidly shared his struggles with the hostility fueled by election denialism, leading him to seek therapy for mental well-being. Gates acknowledged the unfortunate necessity of security measures like metal detectors and fencing to combat potential threats, emphasizing a challenging aspect of his role in ensuring election integrity.
Despite facing adversity, Gates highlighted the importance of seeking proper support to navigate through tumultuous times and maintain resilience. In Georgia, election supervisors have access to a direct reporting system to address any issues promptly, ranging from minor disturbances to serious threats, ensuring a proactive approach to safeguarding the electoral process.
Addressing concerns about undocumented immigrants voting, Benson and Gates assuaged fears by labeling such claims as unfounded, dismissing them as baseless and unsubstantiated. Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein echoed similar sentiments, asserting that there is no substantial evidence of widespread voting fraud by undocumented immigrants.
Bluestein emphasized the need to dispel misinformation, particularly around notions of ballot drops in the dead of night and the connectivity of tabulation machines to the internet, dispelling popular conspiracy theories that often gain traction in post-election discussions.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2020 election, Gabriel Sterling emphasized the historical significance of conceding defeat gracefully and embracing the democratic process, urging fellow Republicans to eschew divisive rhetoric that incites unrest and challenges the foundation of democracy.
Jocelyn Benson underscored the collective anxiety among election officials, fearing a potential escalation of violent acts in response to inflammatory rhetoric, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of looming threats.
Bill Gates expressed disappointment in the silence of certain Republican officials against threats of violence, emphasizing the critical need to protect individuals involved in upholding and overseeing the democratic process. Calls for unity, resilience, and a commitment to the principles of democracy echo through the experiences and reflections of these dedicated election officials as they navigate through turbulent times.
