Election officials in battleground states are preparing for potential attempts by Trump allies to block local election certification if he loses. They warn of legal and criminal consequences for county officials who disrupt the process. States like Michigan and Arizona have drafted legal filings and are ready to take immediate court action to ensure certification. This preparation comes amid fears of a repeat of past incidents where counties delayed certification under pressure from Trump. Officials emphasize that certification is a mandatory duty, not discretionary.
Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are dedicating significant resources to ensure safety during the 2024 election amid a surge in threats against election workers and officials. A threat assessment by the NYPD Intelligence Bureau highlights risks of physical violence, disinformation, and cyberattacks, with the FBI investigating over 2,000 threats. Recent incidents include charges against individuals for threatening election officials, and online rhetoric calling for violence and militia action. Authorities emphasize the professionalism and transparency of election processes across states.
State election officials in the US are facing challenges in securing their systems from cyberattacks, updating equipment, and training staff, with frustration mounting over the lack of federal funding from Congress. Despite the allocation of $995 million for election administration and security needs since 2016, most of the funds have been exhausted, leaving officials concerned about the upcoming 2024 election. Partisan budget disputes have hindered the approval of new funding, with House Republicans labeling election security grants as "wasteful spending." State officials are calling for sustainable federal funding to address cybersecurity threats and maintain election security programs.
