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Editor’s Note: This story is part of Cascadia Daily News’ mini-series “pre-bunking” misinformation and disinformation ahead of the 2024 election. The series will continue to explore the democratic process in Whatcom County.
Law enforcement plays a critical role in supporting election officials and ensuring eligible voters are able to access their constitutional right to vote. However, it is ultimately the county auditor who has the authority and responsibility to ensure elections run smoothly within their jurisdiction.
“Law enforcement’s role pertaining to election security is to ensure public safety, protect constitutional rights and preserve democratic processes,” Whatcom County Auditor Stacy Henthorn explained.
These responsibilities take the form of ensuring that election officials can perform their duties safely, allowing voters access to casting and returning ballots, as well as ensuring that their activities are not impeded. Additionally, it includes responding to threats of violence directed at election officials, their families, staff members and voters, said Kim Wyman, former Washington Secretary of State and senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center.
In line with best practices, Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley met with Henthorn in late July to discuss security needs, as well as to take a tour of the Election Center.
“We’re proud to work closely with the Auditor’s Office to ensure the integrity and accessibility of our local elections,” Tanksley told Cascadia Daily News, noting that the tour provided him with a “deeper understanding of the voting process in Whatcom County.”
In response to questions about the role of the Sheriff’s Office during an election, Public Information Officer Deb Slater shared a copy of the “Washington 2024 Law Enforcement Quick Reference Guide.” The pocket reference guide was created and distributed by the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections, an organization dedicated to protecting election workers and voters from violence, threats and intimidation.
Recognizing that growing threats against election officials required a proactive approach, the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections developed reference guides for law enforcement officers in all 50 states, explained Wyman, who is part of the committee.
The guide cites various criminal codes for law enforcement to keep top of mind during the election, from intimidating a public servant to possessing dangerous weapons at voting facilities.
“These pocket reference guides were created to provide law enforcement officers with quick, digestible access to the specific laws in their state that govern election security,” Wyman told CDN.
“Elections-specific resources like the reference guides are crucial because they provide law enforcement officers with the clarity they need to navigate complex situations that are unique to the operations of elections before, during and after Election Day,” she added.
Slater confirmed on Thursday, Sept. 5, that the guide would be shared with deputies during shift briefings between now and the elections.
Former election officials and former law enforcement working with the committee also hosted tabletop exercises throughout the country to help current leaders think through how their county will respond if something goes awry.
While sheriff deputies and police officers play an important role in supporting election officials, civil rights advocacy groups also urge caution around creating law enforcement presences at voting locations.
“Police should avoid being highly visible at polling locations unless they are responding to a specific, concrete issue,” according to a national explainer produced by the States United Democracy Center and Georgetown Law’s Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection.
“Law enforcement at the polls could be perceived as intimidating, particularly given the history of police authority being misused to promote, rather than prevent, voter intimidation,” it further explains.
The document goes on to provide best practices for law enforcement during elections, outlining how to interact with armed individuals or groups near polling places and detailing the importance of protecting election staff and ballots, while also protecting First Amendment rights.
“Whenever possible, law enforcement should consult with legal counsel and coordinate with local officials, community groups, and cooperating agencies,” the document states.
Isaac Stone Simonelli is CDN’s enterprise/investigations reporter; reach him at isaacsimonelli@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 127.
