Politics & Government

2024 Election Safety, Security Plans Underway In Eastern Montco

Montgomery County officials have announced preparations for election interference and irregularities.

Montgomery County is making preparations to keep the 2024 election safe and secure.
Montgomery County is making preparations to keep the 2024 election safe and secure. (Patch Media)

EASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA —Montgomery County officials want the Nov. 5 general election to be a safe and secure one for voters.

Montgomery County law enforcement has announced plans on how to handle potential election interference, irregularities, and related threats to democracy on Election Day, they said in a press release detailing their preparations.

A special Election Tip Line has been set up — 610-292-2024 — for residents to report any suspicious activity around ballot boxes at the polls, or any threats to public officials.

Find out what's happening in Abingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"We will not tolerate abuse of public officials, threats to election officials or abuse of individuals helping out at the drop box locations," Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said in a statement. "Period."

Specifically, authorities said the Tip Line should be used for any potential vandalizing or damaging of ballot boxes, or any suspicious activity seen relating to the election.

Find out what's happening in Abingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Montgomery County Detectives will investigate all tips, and potential threats will be undertaken by the newly created Threat Assessment Management Unit, which was created specifically to handle issues that damage the community at large.

“To anyone thinking about disrupting this election in any way, I’m here to tell you that my office, the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, and the entire Montgomery County law enforcement community, are standing together to make sure that we have a fair and safe election, not only on Nov. 5th, but also in the next 50 days leading up to it,” Steele added.

On Election Day, a special team of prosecutors and detectives will be "ready to assist" in the event of any compromising incidents.

While security is certainly heightened for 2024, these are not unusual precautions.

An Election Tip Line has been set up for previous elections, and a countywide Election Day team is always on hand.

Montgomery County has already doubled its voter services offices to improve election accessibility and set record turnout in 2024.

Click here to see all drop boxes and voter service offices across the county.

In addition to the Election Tip Line, concerns can be forwarded to the assistant district attorney's office at jediah.grobstein@montgomerycountypa.gov.

Related

Montco Doubles Election Offices In Effort To Increase Voter Turnout

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