With just days until Americans head to the polls, intelligence agencies are alerting local law enforcement and election officials about the increased risk of violence targeting ballot boxes, polling locations, and election staff across the US.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a bulletin indicating that some individuals are calling for violence in response to narratives of election fraud, particularly aimed at election officials and groups perceived as threatening the integrity of the upcoming general election.
Recent incidents of ballot drop box arson have intensified security concerns nationwide. In Vancouver, Washington, an incendiary device attached to a ballot drop box ignited a fire, destroying hundreds of ballots.
Similarly, in Portland, Oregon, another incendiary device was detonated, although damage was limited to three ballots due to a fire suppression system.
In Phoenix, Arizona, a mailbox containing election ballots was also targeted by arson, damaging around 20 ballots.
Federal officials have warned that incendiary and explosive devices could be employed against absentee ballot drop boxes and have advised local agencies to enhance security measures.
Since 2023, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has conducted security assessments for over 1,000 election offices, allowing local offices to implement recommended safety protocols, though funding challenges remain.
Following the recent arson attacks, election officials have heightened security at polling stations and ballot collection points. The FBI and DHS are collaborating with local agencies to mitigate risks.
Government sources have described the current threat landscape as “not typical election threat intelligence,” attributing it to heightened polarization around controversial issues.
Concerns about safety at polling sites also encompass firearms. While many states prohibit electioneering within polling locations, laws regarding firearms vary widely. Some states, including Arizona and Texas, explicitly ban guns at voting sites, while others do not have such uniform restrictions.
The US has seen a troubling trend toward violence in elections, with armed individuals intimidating election workers following the 2020 election and significant incidents such as the Capitol riot underscoring the rising threats to democratic processes.
As the November election approaches, the scale of security measures reflects the urgent need to protect the integrity of the election process. With enhanced scrutiny on poll watchers and bolstered security at polling locations, officials are striving to safeguard US democracy amid these challenges.
