Derek Bowens – Black History Month Q&A

February 24, 2023

Considering the struggle to obtain full suffrage rights in the United States of America, it is critically important that all persons of color not experience any level of restriction when attempting to access the ballot box. This is ensured by establishing laws and policies that protect free, fair, and secure elections.

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Captain Harold Love – Black History Month Q&A

February 23, 2023

With the challenges to ensure racial equality and social justice that Black Americans continue to face, ensuring that our elections are free, fair, and secure is of the utmost importance.

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CSSE Celebrates Black History Month

February 7, 2023

The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections issues the following statement: Recognizing the rich heritage and accomplishments of Black Americans in our democracy is essential as we concentrate on the significance of safe and secure elections. Black History Month serves as a necessary reminder of the need to continue advocating for equality and working to […]

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President Biden honors Al Schmidt with the Presidential Citizens Medal

January 6, 2023

On behalf of the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections, we would like to congratulate our member, Al Schmidt, for receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal today from President Biden in recognition of his heroic work to protect our democracy during his time as Philadelphia City Commissioner. This comes on the heels of the announcement that […]

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Chair Kelley and the Committee: Statement on Political Violence, Threats, and Intimidation

November 8, 2022

Chairperson Neal Kelley and the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections issues the following statement: All Americans have the right to vote without disruption, just as all election workers have the right to safely and securely execute their duties. We must not tolerate any forms of violence, threats, or intimidation geared toward Americans who are […]

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Chair Kelley and the Committee: Statement on Election Mis/Disinformation

November 7, 2022

Chairperson Neal Kelley and the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections issues the following statement: The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE) believes that confidence in our elections is essential to keeping our institutions and our country strong. Creating or spreading false information about election administration and election officials is dangerous. Existing security measures […]

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NBC Think: We’re sheriffs. Here’s our plan for keeping everyone safe on Election Day.

October 30, 2022

This op-ed by CSSE Members Sheriff Peter Koutoujian and Sheriff Justin Smith originally appeared on NBC Think. Senior FBI officials recently warned of “unusual levels of threats” against election workers in seven states, including Colorado, Michigan and Wisconsin. California saw a need to pass legislation last month aimed at protecting election workers. A Massachusetts man was arrested this summer […]

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Chair Kelley and Sheriff Smith: Statement on Voter Intimidation Efforts

October 28, 2022

Chairperson Neal Kelley and Sheriff Justin Smith issue the following statement: Robust and bipartisan observation is vital for building trust and ensuring the integrity of our elections, but intentionally menacing observation goes far beyond the needs of transparency. Instead, these efforts are intended to intimidate voters who want to drop off their ballots and cast […]

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C-SPAN: Al Schmidt on Protecting Election Workers and Voters on Election Day

October 14, 2022

CSSE Member Al Schmidt appeared on C-SPAN and discussed efforts to protect election workers and voters from violence, threats, and intimidation. Watch the full segment here.

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CNN: We received death threats for just trying to run a fair election

October 13, 2022

CSSE Member Tina Barton wrote for CNN about her position as city clerk of Rochester Hills, Michigan, how public perception shifted since 2019 and the work the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections is doing to help protect election workers, voters and elections. Read her piece on CNN 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