Western PA County Hires Armed Security Guards For Election Day

WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA — The Washington County Elections Board has hired two dozen armed security guards to assist state constables in protecting polling places on Election Day.

The board on Monday retained the Charleroi-based RiP Group security firm. Their security guards will be stationed at precincts in communities where there are an insufficient number of constables.

The security guards will be sworn in as deputy constables for the day. Under state law, constables and deputy constables are permitted in polling places, along with voters, people assisting voters, precinct election officials, poll watchers and overseers who have been appointed by judges.

Washington County Elections Director Melanie Ostrander told the Observer-Reporter of Washington that the guards were necessary because dozens of longtime poll workers quit or retired because they were concerned about their safety.

CNN reported earlier this month that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are concerned that “election-related grievances,” including a belief in voter fraud, could lead to violent acts by domestic extremists in the days both before and after the election.

No specific threats have been made against Washington County, Ostrander said.