Chief Joseph Massey - Committee for Safe and Secure Elections

Police Chief Joseph Massey, Waterville, Maine

Chief Joe Massey’s law enforcement career has spanned more than 40 years beginning in 1978 with the Oakland Police Department. In 1981 he joined the Rumford Police Department as a patrol officer and held the positions of detective and sergeant until his departure in 1987. Hired as a patrol officer for the Waterville Police Department in July of 1987 he has held every rank within the department with his promotion to Police Chief in July 2007.

Chief Massey holds a BS Degree in Public Administration from UMA, and an MBA from Thomas College. Chief Massey was an Associate Professor at Thomas College for several years where he taught criminal justice courses. He is also a Graduate of the 191st Session of the FBI National Academy, a Graduate of New England Institute of Command Training, and the FBI’s Executive Development Training program.

Chief Massey served as the Maine Chiefs of Police District IV Representative for Kennebec/Somerset Counties from 2009 until 2016. During his 35 years with the Waterville Police Department, he has instituted several innovated Community Policing Programs such as the Mid-Night Team Mental Health Provider, Prescription Drug Diversion Program, and the Pharmacy and Bank Robbery Training and Response Protocols. In January of 2017 he implemented Project HOPE, a program designed to help those suffering from substance use disorders. One of his top priorities is to combat the current opioid crisis that we are facing with innovated approaches such as Operation HOPE. He believes that strengthening community ties between the police and community is essential in ensuring public safety for all.

“Election officials are the heroes of our democracy, working harder than almost anyone I know to ensure that every one of us can exercise our fundamental right to vote. The intimidation and threats against these dedicated officials and their families must stop."

Kathy Boockvar
Vice President of Election Operations and Support, Center for Internet Security

“Democracy can only survive and thrive if we respect and protect its values and principles. Elected officials must respect those they serve, freely act within their elected authority and act on behalf of a nation that ensures their safety so they may make decisions without fear or intimidation. That is a true democracy."

Sheriff Paul Penzone
Maricopa County, Arizona

“Access to the ballot should not be stymied in any manner, nor should we ever lose valuable election officials because they are worn down from harassment, fear, threats and undue job hardships created to alter public faith in the electoral process. "

Kathy Holland
Director of Elections, Alamance County North Carolina (Ret.)
“I joined the committee because I took an oath, along with my law enforcement colleagues, to protect and serve all persons, which is in alignment with my personal values and morals. "

Captain Harold Love
Michigan State Police (Ret.), Owner and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Harold J. Love & Associates

“The 2020 election cycle brought many challenges for election officials, but the most shocking for me were the death threats, verbal assaults, intimidation, and scare tactics. I am one of the election officials that had my life and the lives of my family members threatened, and the threats have not ceased."

Tina Barton
Senior Elections Expert, The Elections Group

“There are many issues that have become politicized, but ensuring the safety of election workers should never be. These are the people responsible for overseeing the democratic process that serves as the foundation of our republic."

Jonathan Bydlak
Director, Governance Program, R Street Institute
“My dad was a city clerk. Elections were a central and cherished part of his job. I joined this committee to ensure that today’s election officials can keep America’s elections running safely and securely, just like he did."

Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian
Middlesex County, Massachusetts

“Election officials are unsung heroes of American democracy—they make sure our system operates as intended. Threats to these public servants are an attack on democracy itself. Law enforcement and election officials working together can help chart a safer and more secure path forward for future elections."

Orion Danjuma
Counsel, Protect Democracy

“As a country, we must protect election officials to keep our elections secure and fair. Law enforcement and election officials must work together to keep this new threat from interfering in our elections."

Neal Kelley
Registrar of Voters (Ret.) Orange County, California
“As an election official who experienced the verbal threats and intimidation directed at me and my staff I feel I must be a voice on this committee to work with law enforcement to address this issue."

Joseph Gloria
Registrar of Voters, Clark County, Nevada

“Election workers are the guardians of our democracy, and attacks on them for doing their jobs are unacceptable. I’m proud to stand with and in support of this group of law enforcement and election officials, who are working on practical solutions to keep our elections safe and secure."

Larry Norden
Senior Director, Elections & Government, Brennan Center for Justice

“I have joined this committee because I believe in the mission and have full confidence that we will develop practices that are results driven and further strengthen the pipeline between law enforcement and election officials."

Derek Bowens
Director of Elections, Durham County, North Carolina