In light of mounting threats and disinformation surrounding the upcoming presidential election, election officials across the United States are taking proactive measures to protect election workers, counter false information, and uphold the integrity of the democratic process. From coordinating active-shooter drills to educating voters and debunking misinformation, election officials are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure a peaceful and fair voting experience.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes is leading the charge, preparing poll workers for worst-case scenarios, including combat. His office is organizing active-shooter drills and distributing safety kits that contain essential items such as tourniquets, devices to barricade doors, and hammers to break glass windows. Fontes acknowledged the real and present danger posed by conspiracy theories and lies surrounding elections, emphasizing the importance of prevention measures.

In conversations with The Washington Post, more than a dozen voting operation officials nationwide revealed their concerns about disruptions that have historically been associated with political unrest in other countries. With Donald Trump continuously casting doubt on the integrity of elections and denying the results of the previous one, officials are stepping up their efforts to protect election workers, educate voters, counter misinformation, and hold accountable those who seek to undermine the democratic process.

To counter these challenges, officials are increasing advertising budgets, enhancing training for election workers, implementing strategies to swiftly correct false information, and strengthening coordination with law enforcement agencies at all levels. The scope of these efforts reflects the magnitude of the task at hand. A recent survey showed that fewer than a third of Republicans view President Biden's victory in the 2020 election as legitimate, fueled by debunked claims and the emergence of new conspiracy theories on a regular basis.

Despite the daunting task, election officials are realistic about their limitations in countering these trends. However, they remain committed to addressing misinformation and threats. Matt Crane, a former elections officer and executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, recognizes the challenge of convincing "true believers" and those perpetuating falsehoods. Nonetheless, officials are determined to protect election workers and voters to the best of their abilities.

Though Trump campaign spokespersons emphasized the significance of election integrity, election officials are not taking any chances. The memory of Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results is fresh in their minds, and they are adopting proactive approaches this year. In Colorado, county clerks association board members wrote a letter urging elected officials to vouch for the integrity of elections and stand against dishonest actors. A texting program is being set up in Michigan, allowing quick communication between election workers, their superiors, and law enforcement agencies. Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar is reaching out to community leaders to build trust in the election process.

Arizona, a key battleground state, is at the forefront of the proactive stance. In the face of death threats and harassment during the aftermath of the 2020 election, Arizona officials stood their ground. Secretary of State Fontes is finding ways to protect election workers from harassment, including potentially registering their home addresses with law enforcement to counter swatting. In addition, Fontes is teaching officials and the public how to discern fake videos and photos generated by artificial intelligence.

Local election officials are also taking action. In Maricopa County, officials have given over 200 tours of the ballot-counting facility to educate the public on the vote-counting process. Efforts are being made to handle election-related work more efficiently, with additional staff assigned to address inquiries. Pinal County, bordering metro Phoenix, is boosting internet capacity to stream live footage of ballot drop boxes, aiming to discourage armed individuals from monitoring them.

As the election draws nearer, election officials are committed to protecting the integrity of the process, safeguarding election workers, and countering disinformation. They recognize the importance of educating voters and responding swiftly to false claims. Their resilience reflects a firm determination to ensure a peaceful and transparent democratic process.

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