There is a common assumption that most harassment and intimidation of election officials comes from members of the public. But since EOLDN’s founding, 55 percent of requests for legal help have originated from a problem with an elections authority, such as an election commissioner, a board of supervisors, or a lawmaker. These individuals, often driven by partisan beliefs about election administration, pressure election officials to alter procedures or ignore election laws.

The national political environment has only encouraged partisan attacks on election officials. A recent executive order targeted former elections cybersecurity leader Chris Krebs for confirming that the 2020 election was accurate and secure. While those pressures are likely to continue, those attempting to disrupt elections will fail, as they have before, thanks to the diligence of election workers across the country, and support from efforts like EOLDN.

Arizona State Election Director Lisa Marra has shared her EOLDN story, recounting the pressure from her county board of supervisors to ignore Arizona election law.

Harassment and intimidation by other government officials is especially pernicious and isolating for election administrators. Some requesters tell EOLDN that we are the first people they have shared their problem with. Even if election officials have escalated their issue within their office, government or municipal counsel often cannot represent them in internal disputes. Whether partisan intimidation comes from the local, state, or federal level, EOLDN’s network of attorneys, including pro bono litigators and federal government defense specialists, stands by to fill these gaps.

If you ever feel like you need legal help or advice, we’re here for you, and we encourage you to request help on our website.