Can we agree on this? Abusing, harassing, threatening election workers is wrong. | Opinion
Since 2020, election officials have faced unprecedented levels of violence, threats, intimidation, and harassment. The Brennan Center has found 73 percent of election officials say that these threats have increased in recent years, but nearly half of these incidents go unreported to law enforcement.
The increase in threats facing election officials – a direct result of the proliferation of misinformation – signals a bigger overall threat to American democracy. Luckily, towns and counties in Wisconsin have been taking action to protect election officials and secure voting systems. Thanks to these efforts, Wisconsin’s towns and counties offer a blueprint for state legislative action, as well as for other states to ensure the safety of election officials and American democracy.
Wisconsin’s elections have been decided by the smallest of margins. In both the 2016 and 2020 general elections, the party that won Wisconsin’s electoral votes was decided by only 0.7 percent of voters. However, over the years, extreme political polarization in Wisconsin has continued to increase. Protecting elections in Wisconsin is paramount as the state itself exemplifies the strength of democracy despite a divided electorate.
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Claims of election tampering, fraudulent voting, threats, intimidation, or criminal acts pertaining to elections are not supported by the facts. But with such close elections, a true incident of unchecked election interference could have long lasting implications. While daunting and seemingly challenging to combat, a half dozen local governments in Wisconsin have already taken strides towards safeguarding the electoral process. By highlighting these proactive steps, we aim to inspire more cities and towns to follow suit, fostering an environment where the dedication of our election officials is recognized and supported.
Cities across Wisconsin protecting election workers from threats
Local city councils in Stevens Point, Madison, Sheboygan, and Racine have all expanded their laws to protect election officials from attacks. These cities have adopted into their ordinances clear penalties for any individual who, either in public or private, engages in violent, abusive, indecent, or disorderly conduct directed towards an election official. Worth noting is that these cities passed clear penalties for harassing or threatening election officials in general, not just during the election period.
Wisconsin cities have also been working to improve the security of voting systems. Under the leadership of Mayor Bryan Kennedy, Glendale codified best practices for securing election systems. Glendale, an exemplar of pro-voter election administration, installed simple and low-cost security barriers, key cards and video systems to ensure that election equipment is protected and monitored when stored between elections, so that no unauthorized person can access voting systems. This is a significant achievement that not only shows the city’s firm dedication to protecting democracy now and in the future – it also highlights that the solutions to the recent struggles facing elections are within reach.
Other states should follow suit with bipartisan protection laws
And it’s not just Wisconsin: According to Public Citizen, more than half of U.S. states have introduced or passed legislation to protect officials and election workers since January 2022 – many with bipartisan backing.
In a time when some aim to sow distrust in the government, Wisconsin’s local leaders are throwing down to protect voters and election officials alike. We call on more cities and towns to work to create an environment where election officials are supported, irrespective of political affiliations. It begins with local governments taking initiative to protect law-abiding essential workers of our democracy – our election workers, and the voting systems that they run. Together, we can defend fair elections and the freedoms our democracy provides every American.
Aquene Freechild is the Co-Director, Democracy Campaign Public Citizen. Sam Liebert is the Wisconsin State Director for All Voting is Local.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin election workers deserve protection