US election offices bolster security amid threats as Election Day approaches

Concerns over a surge in right-wing election denial, spurred by former President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims of election fraud in 2020, have led to heightened vigilance.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who faced online targeting by Elon Musk, said this has put officials in a “state of hyper-vigilance” but that they remain committed to their work. “Standing up to bullies… means putting ourselves in the metaphorical line of fire,” Benson said.

In Arizona, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes testified that he wears a bulletproof vest due to safety concerns. Some states, including Washington, have even activated their National Guard units, and local law enforcement has increased patrols following incidents such as an arson attack on a ballot box.

Maricopa County, Arizona, has installed additional fencing and announced plans for drones and, if necessary, rooftop snipers. “It’s a sad commentary on what’s happened in this country in the last four years,” said County Supervisor Bill Gates, reflecting on the need for such precautions.

Shannon Hiller of Princeton University’s Bridging Divides Initiative emphasised that preparations are intended to create a “sense of safety,” not fear, as Americans head to the polls.

(with inputs from The Guardian)

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