Election Workers Face Intimidation and Threats Amidst Election Conspiracy Theories
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, concerns have arisen regarding the potential reaction of Donald Trump's supporters if he fails to regain the presidency. Election workers across the country, still reeling from the events of the 2020 election, have described instances of intimidation and threats. The issue has prompted some election officials to leave their positions due to safety concerns.
Lisa Mara, former director of elections in Arizona's Cochise County, recounts the hostile environment she experienced during the 2020 election. In response to the perceived outcome, she received alarming messages such as, 'You should be in jail, you should be killed, you should be fired,' as well as incessant verbal attacks. The level of fear even led the election office to hire an armed security company. Ultimately, Lisa, a lifelong Republican, chose to resign amidst the intimidation and threats.
Bob Bartelsmeyer, Lisa's successor, also faced skepticism regarding the 2020 election. Sharing bogus Facebook posts claiming that Trump had won by a landslide, Bob admits to having doubts about the election but believes they did not alter the outcome significantly. However, some election conspiracy theorists viewed Bob's doubts as an opportunity, leading to his appointment as director of elections in Cochise County. Yet, to his surprise, Bob soon discovered that he was not perceived as extreme enough by some community members. Rather than accepting his commitment to following laws and procedures, individuals demanded a complete overhaul of the voting system, including eliminating voting machines and mail-in ballots. Feeling overwhelmed, Bob decided to step down after just four months.
Jerry Rohl, another former election worker in Arizona, also faced mistreatment and disrespect. False beliefs surrounding voting machines, ballots, and the integrity of election workers fueled the vitriolic atmosphere. Jerry recounts alarming instances, including a claim that someone could hack into election equipment through a power outlet. The constant harassment, lacking any concern for the truth or integrity of the process, eventually drove her to leave her position.
Unfortunately, the mistreatment and harassment faced by election officials have become a significant factor in their decision to quit. Across 11 western states, more than 160 top local election officials have resigned since November 2020. The rise of election conspiracy theorists infiltrating election offices in some smaller counties is a growing concern, according to Republican Bill Gates, a member of the board of supervisors for Arizona's largest county.
Bob Bartelsmeyer has since returned to his previous election job in a different Arizona county, where he reports a more favorable work environment. Reflecting on his past actions, Bob expresses regret for sharing the misleading Facebook posts and emphasizes the need to move forward from the controversies of the 2020 election. He calls for trust in the certification process led by the Secretaries of State in each state, regardless of the election outcome.
The experiences of Lisa, Bob, and Jerry highlight the challenges faced by election workers and the concerning influence of conspiracy theories on public discourse surrounding the electoral process. It is crucial to address these issues to ensure the integrity and stability of future elections.
