Committee for Safe and Secure Elections Releases Updated Recommendations to Help Thwart Swatting

March 13, 2024

(March 13, 2024) — As the presidential election cycle heats up, doxing and swatting remain heightened concerns for election officials and law enforcement around the country. These threats of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE) firmly condemns them. Swatting, where false emergency calls are made to draw […]

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CSSE Launches New Training Video Featuring Former Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone on Partnerships for Election Security

March 11, 2024

The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE) is pleased to share our new training video featuring CSSE member and former Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone. This resource is designed to serve as a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies and election officials across the country as they prepare for upcoming elections. In the video, […]

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Committee for Safe and Secure Elections Hosts Security Trainings for Hawaii Election Officials and Law Enforcement

March 7, 2024

Four election preparedness workshops across Hawaii addressed election day security, de-escalation strategies and threats against election workers and voters. Media Contact: Jake Gómez Phone: (661) 803-4391 Email: press@clyde.us LIHUE, Hawaii (March 7, 2024) – The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE) today finished the last of four election preparedness workshops in Hawaii focused on ensuring […]

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Statement from Neal Kelley and Judge James Tatum Commemorating Anniversary of Bloody Sunday

March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024: “Fifty-nine years ago today, hundreds of peaceful protesters set off from Selma, Alabama in an effort to register Black voters in the South, only to be met with brutal violence from state troopers and a posse of others as the marchers crossed Edmund Pettus Bridge. The horrifying images shook our nation’s conscience […]

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The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections Recognizes Georgia and Maryland’s Efforts to Protect Election Officials

February 22, 2024

“The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections takes note of the recent legislative efforts in Georgia and Maryland aimed at protecting election officials from threats of violence. This is a critical step forward in the ongoing effort to ensure the safety and security of those who are at the forefront of our elections. In recent […]

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Statement from Neal Kelley on Behalf of CSSE Congratulating Member Sheriff Koutoujian, 2023 MCSA Sheriff of the Year

February 16, 2024

(February 16, 2024) – On behalf of the entire Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE), I extend a heartfelt congratulations to Sheriff Peter Koutoujian of Middlesex County, Massachusetts for receiving the 2023 Sandra S. Hutchens Sheriff of the Year Award from the Major County Sheriffs of America. Sheriff Koutoujian’s unwavering dedication to public service, […]

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Virtual Event — Digital and Physical Security Best Practices: Doxxing and Swatting

January 12, 2024

Join The Elections Group and the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections at 12pm EST, Thursday, January 18 on Zoom for a conversation on digital and physical security best practices for election officials in 2024, as public officials face high-profile instances of doxxing and swatting. The conversation will include The Elections Group’s Chief Technology Officer […]

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Statement from Chairman Neal Kelley, Sheriff Justin Smith (Ret.), and Chris Harvey on Swatting 

January 9, 2024

A week into this new year, an election year, election officials and law enforcement have already faced bomb threats and various swatting incidents aimed at election officials around the country. These threats of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE) firmly condemns them. Swatting, where false emergency calls […]

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Safeguarding Our Democracy: Protecting Elections and Election Workers Every Step of the Way

July 18, 2023

The safety and security of election workers are paramount in upholding the integrity of our democratic processes. However, recent years have seen a distressing increase in threats and violence directed toward these essential workers. Though the 2022 midterm elections were largely free of physical violence, election officials and workers across the country continue to be […]

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Captain Harold Love on National Police Week

May 19, 2023

In recognition of National Police Week and the upcoming 2024 election cycle, we sat down with Captain Harold Love, retired Michigan State Police Department Captain, to recognize the work of law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they make, including their contribution to keeping our elections safe and secure. Can you describe your current or past […]

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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