FBI warns people not to threaten poll workers ahead of Arizona midterms

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — The FBI is reminding individuals to not threaten election staff as early voting will get underway in Arizona. Maricopa County despatched 1.9 million early ballots to voters. The county recorder expects a giant turnout for the midterm election in November. So safety is prime of thoughts 27 days earlier than election day.

At the moment, about 80% of ballot employee positions are crammed within the county. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer says they’re on tempo to succeed in their objective of hiring 3,000 staff. However it has change into harder to seek out assist due to how ballot staff have been handled just lately.

“That is one thing we’ve sadly been residing with the previous two years,” Richer mentioned. “It’s an indictment of society. If someone is harmed this is able to be a black eye for Arizona’s repute for a protracted very long time.”

Richer has obtained demise threats during the last couple of years. He says the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Workplace and native police departments are bringing extra safety to polling areas. Hopefully, that may higher defend staff and voters. “Immensely involved however we additionally suppose we’ve executed the whole lot we probably can to organize,” he mentioned.

The FBI despatched a memo Wednesday explaining why you shouldn’t threaten ballot staff. In June 2021, the FBI created a activity pressure to evaluate the threats in opposition to individuals engaged on elections. Click on/faucet right here to learn extra.

In Maricopa County, you possibly can monitor your vote. Click on/faucet right here to enroll.

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