Who protects those counting America’s votes? US election workers face threats amid midterms

Across the United States, local government workers responsible for handling votes in the midterm elections are facing tighter security measures amid concerns about physical threats, surveillance and harassment.After years of rising hostility towards election staff, local election offices have increased security at their buildings. Measures include bulletproof glass, restricted entry systems and emergency panic buttons connected to local law enforcement.In Maricopa County, Arizona, election officials have taken additional steps to protect counting facilities. Security preparations across the country also include training for election workers on handling threats, suspicious packages and aggressive behaviour.

The risks facing election workers were highlighted in an October 29 report by WBUR’s programme On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti. The report discussed threats ranging from suspicious packages containing unknown powders to drone surveillance, cyberattacks and attempts to disrupt election systems.

Threats force shift in facility security

The move to strengthen security at vote-counting centres comes after years of threats and intimidation against election personnel, particularly since the 2020 election.A 2025 survey by the Brennan Center for Justice found that 38 per cent of local election officials had experienced threats, harassment or abuse because of their work. The organisation’s 2026 survey also found that 32 per cent of officials had faced such treatment, while 14 per cent reported being threatened.The October 29 WBUR report also examined how election officials are preparing for possible disruption. Tina Barton, co-chair of the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections, discussed concerns about drones, bomb threats, suspicious powder-filled packages and cyberattacks targeting election systems.According to WBUR, Barton said her organisation had conducted more than 140 training sessions for local government officials and law enforcement in 2026, more than double the number held in 2024.The scale of the problem has also affected election staffing. In a February 3 report, the non-partisan group Issue One found that 50 per cent of chief local election officials in Western states had left their positions between November 2020 and November 2025. More than 250 officials had left these roles across the 11 Western states examined.

De-escalation training and panic buttons

Apart from improving security at buildings, election departments are also focusing on protecting workers inside polling stations and vote-counting centres.In many areas, election officials are preparing staff to deal with aggressive behaviour and possible security incidents. Training includes recognising threats, handling confrontations and contacting emergency services.The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), part of the US Department of Homeland Security, has traditionally provided election officials with security guidance, information about threats and support for protecting election infrastructure.However, the Brennan Center’s April 13, 2026 report on election officials found that cuts to federal election security support had raised concerns among local authorities. It also found that 86 per cent of surveyed officials considered election security training beneficial.Security measures also cover election technology and ballot transportation. Election officials use safeguards to protect voting equipment and maintain records of ballot handling. These steps are intended to protect the counting process and prevent interference.

Intimidation drives staff shortages and legislative action

Threats and harassment have created another problem for local governments. Finding enough workers to manage polling stations on election day has become increasingly difficult.According to Issue One’s February 2026 analysis, 50 per cent of chief local election officials in Western states had left their jobs over the five years following the 2020 presidential election. The organisation said roughly 76 per cent of the departures were voluntary.The Brennan Center’s 2026 survey also found that more than half of local election officials were concerned that threats, harassment and intimidation could make it harder to recruit and retain election workers.To address these problems, several states have introduced legal protections for election officials. The Brennan Center’s guide to laws against voter and election worker intimidation, published in June 2024, documents federal and state measures designed to protect people involved in elections from threats and harassment.Despite these protections, concerns about worker safety and recruitment remain.