Maj. Christopher Grotton - Committee for Safe and Secure Elections

Maj. Christopher Grotton, Associate Vice President for Safety and Security, Husson University

Christopher Grotton grew up in Maine, and currently serves as the Associate Vice President for Safety and Security at Husson University. In this role he is privileged to lead a team of 13 Officers in providing emergency planning and safety and security services to the Husson University community. He established and leads the University’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Team, and serves on the Behavioral Assessment Executive Board for the Maine School Safety Center within the Department of Education.

Prior to joining Husson University, Chris retired after a 31 year career as a Major with the Maine State Police. During his career he served in the roles of Patrol Trooper, Sergeant, Canine Handler, Crash Reconstruction Specialist, academy instructor, and as the Cadre Supervisor for the 1st and 2nd Basic Law Enforcement Training Programs. During his 19 years as a Commissioned Officer he served in command roles with the Traffic Safety Unit, Training and Professional Development, Special Operations Teams, and worked with state and nationwide entities on contemporary policy issues. He redeveloped and commanded Maine’s Intelligence Fusion Center, served as an Executive Branch liaison with the Maine Legislature and successfully implemented numerous innovative technology projects. He founded and served as the first Commander of the State Police Incident Management Assistance Team, and has served in various command roles at numerous large incidents throughout Maine and the nation. Promoted to Major in 2011, he served with three Command Staff teams, and was responsible for the many technical, forensic, and specialized units that comprise the Support Services Division of the Bureau. He managed numerous technology projects and implementations which impacted Maine’s law enforcement and criminal justice system environments.

Chris earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and his Master’s in Business Administration from Husson University. He is also a graduate of the Maine State Police Academy, the 223rd Session of the FBI National Academy, and the Fusion Center Director’s course at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

“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

“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

“Safe, secure, transparent elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. CSSE members recognize the great responsibility associated with election administration and embrace public accountability to ensure that all eligible voters can freely exercise their right to vote and have their ballots counted. We make it a point to welcome and encourage those who want to peacefully observe this fundamental democratic process."

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