The NPR Politics Podcast Election Officials Still Get Death Threats
Aug 18, 2021
Top U.S. election officials gathered in Iowa to discuss the troubling escalation of threats they face amid persistent conspiracy theories about election integrity. The conversation highlights the heavy burden these officials carry to maintain public trust while managing misinformation. Their personal experiences reveal the emotional toll of working under fire, raising alarming questions about democracy's future. As midterms approach, the stakes grow higher, with challenges in recruitment and the fragility of electoral integrity looming large.
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Threats to Election Officials
- Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State, discussed the increase in threats against election officials.
- She highlighted the unfortunate new normal of fearing for the safety of themselves, their families, and their staff.
Threats to Democracy
- Secretaries of State are generally bipartisan officials focused on objective vote counting.
- Increased threats against them pose a risk to democracy itself.
Increase Trust in Elections
- Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, advises engaging with people's election concerns.
- He suggests demonstrating election security protocols and educating the public about the process.