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Since 2021, perceptions of fraud in the 2020 general election have contributed to several violent incidents and plots. New or emerging perceptions of fraud undermining the integrity of the midterm elections will likely exacerbate ongoing tensions during the 2022 election cycle.
A joint bulletin to law enforcement issued last week by the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the National Counterterrorism Center and the U.S. Capitol Police warned that extremists could target election-related locations:
"We assess some DVE's [Domestic Violent Extremists] motivated by election-related grievances would likely view election-related infrastructure, personnel, and voters involved in the election process as attractive targets—including at publicly accessible locations like polling places, ballot drop-box locations, voter registration sites, campaign events, and political party offices. DVEs could target components of the election infrastructure in hopes of swaying voting habits, undermining perceptions of the legitimacy of the voting process, or prompting a particular government reaction. These locations prioritize accessibility to maximize exposure to potential voters, making them vulnerable to simple, easy-to-use weapons, like firearms, vehicles, edged weapons, and incendiary devices, which DVEs have used in the past."
The bulletin further warns of post-election threats:
"We assess DVEs likely pose a heightened threat of violence against a broad range of targets—such as ideological opponents or election workers—following the 2022 election in response to perceptions of election- related fraud or dissatisfaction with electoral outcomes."
AlertsUSA urges caution and vigilance in the coming days. Confidently cast your vote, but stay aware of your surroundings. Regardless of if you are simply a voter, an election worker, or a candidate, tensions will be high across the nation. Keep your phone and ear buds in your pocket.
Government officials and personnel, including candidates and officials involved in administering elections, should exercise an increased level of situational awareness and caution. "Election workers" are broadly defined as individuals overseeing or participating in the administration of a state’s election infrastructure, to include elected officials, appointed officials, staff, contractors, volunteers, vendors, liaisons, or other individuals participating in the administration of elections.
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