Worrying scenarios | The Press

Election boards, local governments, states and federal agencies work together to ensure election security, with assistance including from the Department of Homeland Security. Some examples of scenarios feared by the authorities.

Attacks

In 2020, armed protesters gathered outside offices in the disputed Maricopa, Arizona district. During primary elections in the district this year, snipers were stationed on a roof and drones were used to provide security, according to the local newspaper Arizona Republicwhich also notes the addition of metal detectors and fencing around the election office. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have warned that theories about possible fraud could fuel the anger of “violent domestic extremists,” according to documents obtained by CNN.

Destruction of ballots

Last week, ballot mailboxes made available to voters were set on fire in Washington state and Oregon. A fire extinguishing device was already inside the containers, but ballots were still lost, authorities told the Associated Press. To prevent similar acts, the district of Clark, Washington, hired people to monitor its boxes 24 hours a day and increased the frequency of ballot collection.

Engorgement

The various police forces will be on alert across the country, ready to intervene. But they could face a technique of network congestion, where calls to emergency services for a false bomb threat, for example, or a fake active shooter mobilize the troops, interfere with voting and sow fear . Or divert them from other places where their presence would be required. These “swatting” techniques can be dangerous. They have been used several times this year, notably against secretaries of state – the elected officials who certify the results of the vote.

With the Associated Press, CNN and NPR