Issue One endorses bill to protect election workers from threats

In response to the reintroduction of the Election Worker Protection Act by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), Issue One released the following statement from Deputy Chief of Strategy and Program Dokhi Fassihian:

“Election workers continue to face an onslaught of threats, harassment, and intimidation driving hundreds from their jobs. We must reckon with this crisis which is putting our public servants and our democracy at risk. The reintroduction of the Election Worker Protection Act is an important first step. Protecting and providing resources to those on the frontlines of our democracy is a critical federal responsibility. We commend the authors and co-sponsors of this bill and call on others to join in support.”

Background:

Since the 2020 election, election workers in nearly every state, at every level of authority, and across the political spectrum have been repeatedly threatened and harassed. According to recent polling by the Brennan Center, 30% of election officials report that they have been personally abused, harassed, or threatened, while over 20% say they are unlikely to serve in the 2024 election.

The Election Worker Protection Act makes threatening, intimidating, coercing, or doxxing election workers a federal crime. The bill also provides grants and training to help election workers protect themselves against threats and their sensitive personal information against weaponized disclosure.