NC seeks to reassure voters about polling safety

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) – Facing unprecedented warnings of a “rigged” election from Donald Trump, state officials around the country are rushing to reassure the public. Some are also taking subtle steps to boost security at polling places because of the passions whipped up by the race.

The NC State Board of Elections released a statement on security at polling places.

The State Board of Elections is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all voters, it reads. Security at polling places is primarily the responsibility of county elections officials in coordination with local law enforcement.

Aware of heightened security concerns this election season, the State Board of Elections office has taken steps to ensure the safety of voters, observers and poll workers during the voting process.

The agency is in communication with state law enforcement officials to share information regarding election laws, including the requirement that advocacy groups stay within designated electioneering areas outside the voting place. The State Board is issuing guidance regarding conduct expected of individuals outside voting locations throughout early voting and on Election day. That guidance will be posted on the board’s website.

“The State Board of Elections is dedicated to ensuring that voters have a safe, positive experience at early voting sites and on Election Day,” said Kim Westbrook Strach, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “As the 2016 general election approaches, we encourage everyone to help us ensure that all North Carolinians are treated with courtesy and respect at the polls.”

Officials in South Carolina, for example, are asking law enforcement to increase patrols near voting locations without oversaturating the area and intimidating voters.

And authorities in Falmouth, Maine, have canceled classes on Election Day for fear of agitated voters and demonstrators at public schools that are being used as polling places.

Over the weekend, a firebombing heavily damaged a local Republican Party office in North Carolina. No injuries were reported. And after the Arizona GOP’s headquarters received a bomb threat Monday, the party said it will probably hire security guards.

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