Levay: The rising threats to election workers and the urgent need for privacy protection

Amanda Levay

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In the wake of the 2020 election, the safety of election workers has become a growing concern. The surge in threats and harassment targeting these dedicated public servants is more than just a fleeting issue — it’s a challenge to the functioning of our democratic processes. 

Election officials, from secretaries of state to temporary poll workers, have increasingly faced hostility, leading to the departure of experienced workers and raising concerns about the security and integrity of elections.

Several states have taken legislative steps to protect election workers in response to these challenges. California recently passed a law allowing election officials to have their addresses and other personal information redacted from government records. This measure addresses one of the critical vulnerabilities faced by election workers: the public accessibility of their personal information, which can be exploited by those seeking to cause harm.

The need for such protections was underscored by the experience of a former Georgia election worker, whose life was significantly affected after she was falsely accused of voter fraud — a claim that led to threats and harassment, forcing her into hiding. Her story highlights a broader pattern of abuse that has become more prevalent.

In Colorado, the Election Official Protection Act, enacted this year, goes further by imposing criminal penalties for threatening or intimidating election officials. This law also allows election workers to request that their personal information be shielded from public records requests. It also prohibits the doxing of election officials or their family members. Oregon has enacted similar legislation, making it a crime to harass election workers and allowing them to keep their addresses hidden from public view.

These state-level efforts are essential, but additional action may be needed. The threats to election workers are not confined to any state; they are a national issue that may require a broader response. According to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice, nearly half of all election officials and poll workers now express concerns for their safety, and about 75% think threats against them have increased since 2020. This widespread concern is leading many election workers to leave their jobs, which could result in a loss of institutional knowledge and experience critical to running secure elections.

The federal government has a role to play in addressing these challenges. One potential measure could be implementing automated redaction technology across all states. This technology can automatically identify and remove sensitive personal information from public records, making it more difficult for malicious actors to target election workers. Protecting the privacy of these workers could reduce the risks they face and increase confidence in the safety and integrity of the electoral process.

Protecting the privacy of election workers is not just about their personal safety — it is about ensuring the smooth operation of elections. When election workers are intimidated or harassed, it can undermine their ability to perform their duties effectively, leading to errors or, in extreme cases, compromising the integrity of election outcomes. By ensuring that election workers are safe and secure, the integrity of elections is also protected.

While there have been efforts to address these issues, more comprehensive measures may need to be considered. Although the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force has charged individuals with crimes against election officials, the scale of the problem suggests additional federal legislation could be beneficial. This could include stronger penalties for those who threaten or harass election workers and nationwide mandates for the redaction of their personal information.

It is also essential to consider the need for privacy protection for the families of election workers. Many election workers have expressed concern that their loved ones could be targeted as a means of intimidation. For example, legislation being considered in Ohio preventing the personal information of election workers and their families from being included in public records is a positive step. However, broader implementation at the national level may be necessary.

As the 2024 election approaches, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of election workers. The challenges they face are real and require a coordinated response. By protecting these workers’ privacy with redaction technology and supporting stronger legislation, we can ensure they can perform their duties without fear. In doing so, we take an essential step toward protecting the integrity of elections and the democratic process.

Editor’s note: Amanda  Levay has 12 years of startup and finance experience. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.