Monroe County prepares for Election Day by implementing security precautions

Monroe County, Indiana – Monroe County Clerk Nicole Browne stated in an email that frequent police patrols of the surrounding areas will continue throughout Election Day, enabling for a prompt response if assistance is required, even though Indiana election polling places are not permitted to have police stationed inside.

In the email, she stated, “As we get ready for Election Day security, we are extremely fortunate to have the support of local law enforcement agencies.”

In order to make sure they are adhering to best practices, she said, police will consult with local law enforcement if they must be involved in different situations.

Indiana State Police will not be doing any extra security patrols on Election Day, according to an email from Kevin Getz, public information officer for the Bloomington district.

In an email, IUPD Public Information Officer Hannah Skibba stated that the agency will keep an eye on activities occurring throughout campus and will react to any problems as they come up in the same way that it always does. On Election Day, the Indiana Memorial Union will host on-campus polling from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

IUPD invites everyone on campus to text or phone 911 to report any suspicious or illegal conduct to the police. The Rave Guardian App gives staff, instructors, and students access to police, safety resources, and anonymous reporting.

According to Browne, ballot security at the polling station is essential to Monroe County elections being successful. Monroe County has collaborated with the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency since 2020, she added. Some of the CISA’s suggestions to improve security at polling stations and satellite sites—where citizens can cast ballots regardless of their precinct—have been adopted by the county.

In a public service announcement on election mail security on October 22, CISA stated that all voters are safe and secure and that the organization is collaborating with nearby polling places to guarantee that every vote is counted.

According to Browne, at annual and semi-annual seminars, all of Monroe County’s county clerks got information and direction on election security. Before working on election day, all poll workers had to complete the required training, which included security at the polling station.

More than half of election officials are worried about intimidation and physical safety, per a Brennan Center survey. Additionally, the study revealed that over one-fourth of officials are concerned about being attacked at work or at home.

November 5 is election day.