The Biden administration has recently highlighted its efforts to indict and convict individuals involved in threats against election officials. Despite these actions, some elections professionals feel that federal law enforcement is not doing enough to protect those on the front lines of democracy. The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, launched in 2021, works to investigate and prosecute those who threaten election workers. Since its inception, the task force has brought charges in 17 cases, with eight resulting in prison time. However, concerns remain about the small number of investigations and prosecutions compared to the reported threats and harassment towards election officials. Legal experts point to free speech concerns as a barrier to prosecution in cases that do not explicitly threaten physical harm. Election security advocates have also raised concerns about efforts by supporters of former President Trump to gain access to voting machines in various states. Instances of physical intimidation towards election workers have at times been met with limited law enforcement follow-up. Despite these challenges, election officials are working to improve collaboration with law enforcement agencies to better respond to threats ahead of the 2024 elections. The goal is to ensure the safety and security of election workers as they carry out their essential duties.
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Election Workers Express Concern Over Safety Despite Federal Threats Task Force: Tennessee Lookout
