Staff Reports
The Justice Department gave a warning to the American people to stay calm and not threaten election officials and workers as the country gets closer to the November vote. Attorney General Merrick Garland spoke about the rise in threats against election officials, especially after the 2020 election. The department sees these threats as a danger to democracy.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco is concerned that people might use artificial intelligence to hide their identities while making threats or to spread misinformation. She believes that using AI for these purposes will result in harsher punishments for the perpetrators. The warnings come as the presidential election draws near, with both parties already arguing over the electorate and ballot rules.
Justice Department vows to sniff out election threats in 2024 campaign – https://t.co/5xyB7iNOPF – @washtimes
— Fokoleta Fokoleta (@1Fokoleta) May 14, 2024
The House Oversight and Reform Committee has announced an investigation into President Biden’s executive order on promoting voting access. They are concerned about the involvement of federal agencies in expanding the pool of voters and promoting voter registration for convicted felons. Oversight Chairman James Comer pointed out that voting matters are generally left to the states and questioned the involvement of third-party organizations in government agency buildings for voter registration.
The Justice Department and FBI Director Christopher Wray are focused on threats of violence against poll workers. Attorney General Garland mentioned specific prosecutions that resulted in prison time, including a case of a man who threatened an election official in Michigan. The official, Tina Barton, has since joined a committee fighting against election threats, stating that the threats have not stopped despite her efforts to ensure safe and secure elections.
The Biden administration’s concerns about threats to poll workers and election officials are met with skepticism from critics who believe that the federal government should not interfere with state voting matters. As the election looms closer, tensions are rising and both parties are on edge about the security and integrity of the voting process.
