With Election Day less than a month away and fraud claims stemming from the 2020 vote still very raw, officials are enhancing security and safety measures. Election administrators do not want to give prospective voters any reason to neglect their civic duty, even as these officials face their own threats and harassment. Straight Arrow News contributor Jordan Reid pleads for citizens to vote this November and highlights some of the safety precautions being introduced around the country.
I remember the first time I went to vote: It was at a public school on West 46th street, in New York City. I waited outside in the cold with a long line of people who were variously grumpy and excited, and the whole experience was largely…fine. I waited. I was cold. I went in. I voted. I went back home feeling good about having done my civic duty.
Things are a little different nowadays. But before I start in on how and why – because some of this information may be upsetting – I want to underscore that none of the information I’m about to share with you should preclude you from voting. In fact, it should do the opposite.
Now. In the lead-up to the November midterms, election officials – spurred by a virtual deluge of threats – are upgrading security protocols to a level that might make voting feel more akin to entering a medium-security prison than, say, a public school. Voters and officials may encounter anything from enhanced security presence to bulletproof glass and panic buttons.
In Tallahassee, Florida, ballot-counters will work out of a building that has been fitted with Kevlar-reinforced walls. In Colorado, the Vote Without Fear act prohibits carrying firearms at polling places or within 100 feet of a ballot drop box.
And offices around the country are implementing active shooter training and coordinating with law enforcement on response protocols – as well as installing tracking devices to monitor ballot movement on Election Day.
In a country that has experienced few instances of election-related violence since the 1960s, this is shocking stuff…except not. We’ve all grown accustomed to the reality of potential violence in situations where it used to seem hypothetical. It’s frightening. And the real-world consequences of that fear are significant.
One in five U.S. election officials say that they are unlikely to stay in their job through 2024, citing stress and fear of retaliation from politicians and the public. Officials are increasing pay and bolstering security to try to offset this development, but there’s another problem here…and that’s that in-person voting is now a thing that some people find scary. Which is, itself, terrifying.
I remember the first time I went to vote: It was at a public school on West 46th street, in New York City. I waited outside in the cold with a long line of people who were variously grumpy and excited, and the whole experience was largely…fine. I waited. I was cold. I went in. I voted. I went back home feeling good about having done my civic duty.
Things are a little different nowadays. But before I start in on how and why – because some of this information may be upsetting – I want to underscore that none of the information I’m about to share with you should preclude you from voting. In fact, it should do the opposite.
Now. In the leadup to the November midterms, election officials – spurred by a virtual deluge of threats – are upgrading security protocols to a level that might make voting feel more akin to entering a medium-security prison than, say, a public school. Voters and officials may encounter anything from enhanced security presence to bulletproof glass and panic buttons.
In Tallahassee, Florida, ballot-counters will work out of a building that has been fitted with Kevlar-reinforced walls. In Colorado, the Vote Without Fear act prohibits carrying firearms at polling places or within 100 feet of a ballot drop box.
And offices around the country are implementing active shooter training and coordinating with law enforcement on response protocols – as well as installing tracking devices to monitor ballot movement on Election Day.
In a country that has experienced few instances of election-related violence since the 1960s, this is shocking stuff…except not. We’ve all grown accustomed to the reality of potential violence in situations where it used to seem hypothetical. It’s frightening. And the real-world consequences of that fear are significant.
One in five US election officials say that they are unlikely to stay in their job through 2024, citing stress and fear of retaliation from politicians and the public. Officials are increasing pay and bolstering security to try to offset this development, but there’s another problem here…and that’s that in-person voting is now a thing that some people find scary. Which is, itself, terrifying.
So. If fears of Election Day violence are threatening to upend your plans, here’s what to do. First, vote early, and vote by mail. This also serves to reduce traffic at polling places, making the experience better for everyone.
But if you do choose to vote in person – and that is your right – remember that polling stations are not optimal places for political discourse. Skip the campaign attire, skip debating with the people around you. Keep an eye out for voting disinformation and make sure to get, say, your polling location from a reputable source like eac.gov.
Go in, exercise your right as a citizen, and go home. If you see an instance of voter suppression, report it to your local FBI office or through tips.fbi.gov – do not try to intervene on the spot.
But again, if you take one thing from this segment, it’s not that you should be afraid of voting. If anything, it’s that the current environment only underscores the vital importance of making your voice heard. The midterms are on their way. Make a plan, stay safe, and make yourself heard.
Jordan Reid
Share
. . .
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
More from Jordan
Commentary
Our commentary partners will help you reach your own conclusions on complex topics.
What explains West African coups? Will France respond?
21 hrs ago
Peter Zeihan
Chinese housing overbuild may erode support for Xi Jinping
Yesterday
Peter Zeihan
Americans debate government shutdowns, spending priorities
Yesterday
Dr. Frank Luntz
Will China invade Taiwan as a diversion?
Tuesday
Peter Zeihan
In spite of security concerns, voting more important than ever
Oct 13, 2022
Share
. . .
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
By
With Election Day less than a month away and fraud claims stemming from the 2020 vote still very raw, officials are enhancing security and safety measures. Election administrators do not want to give prospective voters any reason to neglect their civic duty, even as these officials face their own threats and harassment. Straight Arrow News contributor Jordan Reid pleads for citizens to vote this November and highlights some of the safety precautions being introduced around the country.
I remember the first time I went to vote: It was at a public school on West 46th street, in New York City. I waited outside in the cold with a long line of people who were variously grumpy and excited, and the whole experience was largely…fine. I waited. I was cold. I went in. I voted. I went back home feeling good about having done my civic duty.
Things are a little different nowadays. But before I start in on how and why – because some of this information may be upsetting – I want to underscore that none of the information I’m about to share with you should preclude you from voting. In fact, it should do the opposite.
Now. In the leadup to the November midterms, election officials – spurred by a virtual deluge of threats – are upgrading security protocols to a level that might make voting feel more akin to entering a medium-security prison than, say, a public school. Voters and officials may encounter anything from enhanced security presence to bulletproof glass and panic buttons.
In Tallahassee, Florida, ballot-counters will work out of a building that has been fitted with Kevlar-reinforced walls. In Colorado, the Vote Without Fear act prohibits carrying firearms at polling places or within 100 feet of a ballot drop box.
And offices around the country are implementing active shooter training and coordinating with law enforcement on response protocols – as well as installing tracking devices to monitor ballot movement on Election Day.
In a country that has experienced few instances of election-related violence since the 1960s, this is shocking stuff…except not. We’ve all grown accustomed to the reality of potential violence in situations where it used to seem hypothetical. It’s frightening. And the real-world consequences of that fear are significant.
One in five US election officials say that they are unlikely to stay in their job through 2024, citing stress and fear of retaliation from politicians and the public. Officials are increasing pay and bolstering security to try to offset this development, but there’s another problem here…and that’s that in-person voting is now a thing that some people find scary. Which is, itself, terrifying.
So. If fears of Election Day violence are threatening to upend your plans, here’s what to do. First, vote early, and vote by mail. This also serves to reduce traffic at polling places, making the experience better for everyone.
But if you do choose to vote in person – and that is your right – remember that polling stations are not optimal places for political discourse. Skip the campaign attire, skip debating with the people around you. Keep an eye out for voting disinformation and make sure to get, say, your polling location from a reputable source like eac.gov.
Go in, exercise your right as a citizen, and go home. If you see an instance of voter suppression, report it to your local FBI office or through tips.fbi.gov – do not try to intervene on the spot.
But again, if you take one thing from this segment, it’s not that you should be afraid of voting. If anything, it’s that the current environment only underscores the vital importance of making your voice heard. The midterms are on their way. Make a plan, stay safe, and make yourself heard.
Why is sexual predator Russell Brand getting right-wing support?
British actor Russell Brand is under investigation for sexual assault allegations, leading some conservatives, including Tucker Carlson, to support him by suggesting that his right-leaning political beliefs triggered the investigation. Social media influencer Andrew Tate, currently awaiting trial in Romania on charges of rape and human trafficking, has also expressed support for Brand. Straight Arrow
21 hrs ago
Old age aside, it’s clear why Biden trumps Trump
In the upcoming 2024 election, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump lead in the polls, but both face criticism regarding their age. Biden often receives heightened attention for displaying signs of aging in public, including moments of stuttering and occasional tripping. Straight Arrow News contributor Jordan Reid wants to remind voters to steer
Sep 21
How should America respond to the latest COVID-19 surge?
The recent increase in COVID-19 cases has again brought the virus into the spotlight, reigniting discussions about vaccines, lockdowns and mask mandates. As new variants emerge and a new vaccine rollout is imminent, the familiar debates between Democrats and Republicans have resurfaced. Straight Arrow News contributor Jordan Reid looks back at America’s initial response to
Sep 14
Vivek Ramaswamy is making me nervous
Following the first Republican presidential debate, candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s controversial viewpoints and characterizations of certain events are garnering both notoriety and support. In response to the heightened scrutiny, rival candidates are launching attacks on Ramaswamy’s campaign. Straight Arrow News contributor Jordan Reid argues Ramaswamy’s far-right, inflammatory positions have found unexpected traction with both the media
Sep 7
Biden impeachment is political distraction from Trump crimes
Republicans have explored a number of ways to impeach President Biden. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s newfound support for impeachment, however, represents a significant new shift in U.S. politics. Straight Arrow News contributor Jordan Reid argues that McCarthy’s flip comes from the need to distract American attention away from the criminal cases against former President Donald
Aug 31
Stories each side is underreporting
Comer subpoenas Hunter Biden’s bank records
13 sources | 8% from the left
Dozens dead after blast in southwestern Pakistan at a rally celebrating birthday of Islam’s prophet
15 sources | 8% from the right
Latest Opinions
Reuters
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, longest serving woman senator, dies at 90
Watch :50
3 mins ago
Getty Images
United making changes for travelers with wheelchairs after investigation
Watch 1:04
22 mins ago
Getty Images
Elon Musk weighs in on immigration policy in visit to US-Mexico border
Watch 1:07
1 hr ago
Reuters
Government shutdown’s potential impact: The Morning Rundown, Sept. 29, 2023
Watch 6:48
2 hrs ago
Getty Images
The Netflix DVD era is over after 25 years. Here are the 5 most-rented discs
Watch 3:12
5 hrs ago
Popular Opinions
In addition to the facts, we believe it’s vital to hear perspectives from all sides of the political spectrum.
How a No Labels candidate might affect outcome of 2024 election
18 hrs ago
John Fortier
Why is sexual predator Russell Brand getting right-wing support?
21 hrs ago
Jordan Reid
High housing mortgage costs are a risk to whole economy
Yesterday
Newt Gingrich
Stop blaming Hutchinson for alleged Giuliani groping
Yesterday
Adrienne Lawrence
Politics
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, longest serving woman senator, dies at 90
3 mins ago
Government shutdown’s potential impact: The Morning Rundown, Sept. 29, 2023
Democrats try to subpoena Giuliani at impeachment inquiry hearing
Reuters
U.S.
Elon Musk weighs in on immigration policy in visit to US-Mexico border
1 hr ago
DHS collects migrants’ DNA for growing database, raising privacy concerns
Navy spends tens of millions of dollars on old ships that may never sail again
Getty Images
International
Cuban officials call Molotov cocktail attack on its US embassy terrorism
Tuesday
Canadian lawmakers apologize after celebrating Ukrainian Nazi fighter
Nicaragua’s Catholic president is persecuting members of his own religion
Reuters
Tech
TikTok workers: China may have more control over user data than we think
18 hrs ago
Musk makes cuts to X election integrity team
Ford pauses construction on $3.5 billion EV battery plant
Getty Images