
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the deployment of District Election Officers (DEOs) nationwide as part of its Election Threats Task Force. This initiative, launched in response to what the government is calling threats against election officials, aims to ensure the safety of public servants administering the upcoming November 5 election.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the importance of protecting election workers from violent threats, stating, “The Justice Department will find you, and we will hold you accountable” if you threaten election workers.
The task force was originally created in 2021, following an unprecedented rise in threats against local election officials. Garland highlighted the ongoing issue during remarks in September, underscoring that safeguarding elections is essential to maintaining public confidence in the democratic process. In addition to combatting threats, the task force will handle complaints about voting rights violations and potential election fraud.
In Delaware, U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss announced the appointment of Assistant United States Attorney Shamoor Anis as the DEO. Weiss stated, “Election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.” Similar appointments were made in other states, including Pennsylvania, where U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam appointed several DEOs to oversee the region.
Since the task force’s creation, the DOJ has charged around two dozen individuals in connection with violent threats against election workers, signaling its commitment to protecting those involved in the electoral process.