More than a dozen people nationally have been charged with threatening election workers by a Justice Department unit trying to stem the tide of violent and graphic threats against people who count and secure the vote.

Government employees are being bombarded with threats even in normally quiet periods between elections, secretaries of state and experts warn. Some point to former President Donald Trump and his allies repeatedly and falsely claiming the 2020 election was stolen and spreading conspiracy theories about election workers. Experts fear the 2024 election could be worse and want the Justice Department to do more to protect election workers.

The Justice Department created the task force in 2021 led by its public integrity section, which investigates election crimes. John Keller, the unit’s second in command, said in an interview with The Associated Press that the department hoped its prosecutions would deter others from threatening election workers.

The unit has filed 14 cases and two have resulted in yearslong prison sentences, including a 2 1/2-year sentence for an Iowa man charged with leaving a message threatening to “lynch” and “hang” an Arizona election official.

A Texas man was given 3 1/2 years earlier this month after suggesting a “mass shooting of poll workers and election officials” last year, charges stated. In one message, the Justice Department said, the man wrote: “Someone needs to get these people AND their children. The children are the most important message to send.”

  • Motavader@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    “For many election workers, the threats have been a major driving factor to leave the job, hollowing out the ranks of experience ahead of 2024,”

    And this is EXACTLY what the facists want. They hope to replace poll workers with people who will follow their conspiracy theories instead of the law.

    • Fredselfish@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Yep get them replaced with maga fuckwhits who will actually make sure to throw out Democratic ballotts. It’s fascism.

  • Pratai@lemmy.ca
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    1 year ago

    You guys remember when conservatives said the left would be unhinged and violent when they don’t get their way?

    • utopianfiat@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Sure let’s just get the cops to arrest them.

      puts finger in earpiece

      I’m being told they are the cops.

      • foggy@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Bummer there’s no higher arresting authority than local or state police for federal crimes.

        puts finger in earpiece

        I’m being told there are higher arresting authorities for such crimes.

        • Ensign_Crab@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          And they’re diligent and proactive in pursuing such crimes.

          puts finger in earpiece

          I’m being told they wait a year when they don’t feel like doing anything.

  • Jordan Lund@lemmy.one
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    1 year ago

    This hits a little close to home since my wife is an elected Precinct Committee Person or PCP.

    One of her duties, since Oregon is a vote by mail state, is to monitor ballot drop off locations for any tampering or intimidation.

    The last few elections I’ve gone with her, I wouldn’t dream of letting her do this alone in our climate.

    Nothing has happened, since we’re in the bluest part of a blue state, but man, I could completely see it happening.

  • TwoGems@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Fuck 'em still gonna volunteer as a poll worker. No fat hamberder Trump supporter is gonna intimidate me.