The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE) issues the following statement:

National Police Week is an opportunity to reflect on the work of law enforcement officers across the country and the sacrifices they make, including their contributions to keeping our elections safe and secure. Election officials and workers have increasingly faced violent threats, intimidation, and harassment as they seek to carry out their duties. When election officials are faced with these unlawful threats or intimidation, law enforcement officers are there to respond, playing a crucial role in helping to prevent and de-escalate dangerous situations. 

As part of our mission, CSSE is committed to fostering relationships and communication between election officials and members of the law enforcement community –  encouraging them to plan, prepare, and work in partnership to keep our election officials and voters safe.

This week, we recognize CSSE members who are current and former members of law enforcement for their dedication to protecting the people who administer and participate in our elections:

  • Sheriff Don Barnes (Orange County, California)
  • Major Christopher Grotton (Maine State Police (Ret.))
  • Chris Harvey (Deputy Director of the Georgia P.O.S.T. Council)
  • Neal Kelley (Former San Bernardino Police Officer and Riverside County Deputy Sheriff)
  • Dr. Tracie L. Keesee (Denver Police Department Captain (Ret.), former NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Training, and NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Equity and Inclusion)
  • Sheriff Peter Koutoujian (Middlesex, Massachusetts)
  • Major Craig Latimer (Hillsborough County, Florida (Ret.))
  • Captain Harold Love (Michigan State Police (Ret.))
  • Sheriff Paul Penzone (Maricopa County, Arizona)
  • Sheriff Justin Smith (Larimer County, Colorado (Ret.))

Learn more about the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections here.


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    “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
    Kathy Boockvar
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    “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
    Sheriff Paul Penzone
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    “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.)
    Kathy Holland
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    “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
    Captain Harold Love
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    “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
    Tina Barton
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    “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
    Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian
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    “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
    Orion Danjuma
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    “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
    Neal Kelley
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    “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
    Joseph Gloria
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    “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
    Larry Norden
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    “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
    Derek Bowens