After the 2020 election, reports surfaced of election workers receiving threats of varying severity. The Department of Justice announced the first federal charges against someone for threatening election workers after the 2020 election.  

Chad Stark from Leander, Texas, was arrested for death threats made against Georgia election officials on the day of the Georgia Senate runoff race. Stark allegedly made posts on Craigslist calling for the killing of at least 3 elections officials, including threats to at least one individual’s family.

False claims of people rigging the election led to threats of violence against election workers in several states. Launched in late June 2021, Stark’s prosecution is the first pursued by the Election Threats Taskforce. Attorney General Merrick Garland reaffirmed the Justice Department’scommitment to protecting the election process and voting systems, including the people who held administer elections.  

“The Justice Department has a responsibility not only to protect the right to vote but also to protect those who administer our voting systems from violence and illegal threats of violence,” Garland said. “The department’s Election Threats Task Force, working with partners across the country, will hold accountable those who violate federal law by using violence or threatening violence to target election workers fulfilling their public duties.” 

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. called election workers and related staff the “backbone of our electoral system.” He highlighted the hard work of those who step up each election cycle to ensure votes are tabulated, and elections are adequately administered.  Continue Reading