Local election officials and law enforcement agencies are preparing for a tense Election Day amid President Trump’s continued attacks on the integrity of U.S. elections. His offer of a $1 million reward for information leading to an election fraud conviction has raised concerns among some local authorities that it could encourage vigilantism or unrest.
Officials have also prepared for worst-case scenarios involving potential federal intervention in state-run elections, in response to Trump’s unsubstantiated claims about voting problems and efforts to increase federal control over elections.
Pima County, Arizona, Sheriff Chris Nanos warned that the reward could invite members of the public to accuse others of fraud for financial gain. He said elections are managed locally, while criticism is coming from the federal level.
The concerns come as threats against public officials and election workers have become increasingly common, according to the report. Election officials and local law enforcement agencies have held hundreds of exercises to prepare for possible threats and disruptions at polling sites on Tuesday.
Sources: The New York Times Politics.