Many of the 80 percent of election officials who are women report facing distinct misogynistic threats and harsher, more menacing language than their male colleagues.

Not only have women felt the disproportionate burden of attacks, but the threats aimed at them have a different psychological impact. On Issue One’s Women Who Make Democracy Work webinar, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who is an advisory board member of the Election Official Legal Defense Network (EOLDN) said that female election officials “certainly get some of the more disgusting, violent threats.” These gender-based attacks compound the already horrific harassment that election officials endure every day.

Harassers also specifically target the female family members of election workers. “The kind of threats [my male colleagues] receive are not just against themselves,” said Secretary Toulouse Oliver. “They are largely against the women in their families, their wives, their daughters…That just paints the picture a little bit more about where they think we as election officials are vulnerable.”

These threats have taken a toll on election workers, and many have been driven to resign. On the same webinar, Claire Woodall-Vogg, executive director of the Milwaukee, WI Election Commission and a member of EOLDN’s advisory board, shared a sentiment echoed by election officials across the country: “No matter what you do, not feeling like you’re able to take care of your family in your home and make everyone feel safe is just very defeating.”

It’s challenging enough to run elections, and thousands of people do so every cycle and dedicate themselves to excellence. But those who bravely show up to work while being targeted with vile, gender-based abuse are to be especially thanked.

If you have experienced threats like this, you are not alone. We encourage you to reach out to EOLDN to explore your options if you believe you would benefit from legal support.