Who protects those counting America's votes? US election workers face threats amid midterms

Across the United States, local government workers responsible for handling votes in the midterm elections are facing tighter security measures amid concerns about physical threats, surveillance and harassment.After years of rising hostility towards election staff, local election offices have increased security at their buildings. Measures include bulletproof glass, restricted entry systems and emergency panic buttons connected to local law enforcement.In Maricopa County, Arizona, election officials have taken additional steps to protect counting facilities. Security preparations across the country also include training for election workers on handling threats, suspicious packages and aggressive behaviour.The risks facing election workers were highlighted in an October 29 report by WBUR's programme On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti. The report discussed threats ranging from suspicious packages containing unknown powders to drone surveillance, cyberattacks and attempts to disrupt election systems.Threats force shift in facility securityThe move to strengthen security at vote-counting centres comes after years of threats and intimidation against election personnel, particularly since ...