Palm Beach State Attorney Vows to Prosecute Threats Against Election Workers ‘To the Fullest Length of the Law’

If you think it’s a good idea to harass election workers, you’d be wise to avoid Palm Beach County, according to the state’s attorney. Dave Aronberg.

Aronberg’s office just published a warning to potential bullies with the aim of intimidating, threatening or harming people working at polling stations across the county – and those visiting them to vote.

“Election officials and poll workers play a vital role in our democratic process. Any threats, intimidation or acts of violence against them will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Aronberg said in a statement.

“This is a critical time for the safety and security of our elections. We want voters to know that they can vote without fear or intimidation, and that those who threaten this process will face serious consequences.

Marc Freemanspokesperson for the Palm Beach State Attorney’s Office, said Aronberg’s reprimand was proactive; As of Wednesday afternoon, there were no reports of election or voter harassment in Palm Beach County.

“We’ve seen reports from other jurisdictions and we don’t want that to happen here,” he told Florida Politics.

In the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers heard but ultimately did not pass legislation that would criminalize intimidation and coercion of election workers with the intent to obstruct or interfere with their official duties. The senator from St. Petersburg. Darryl Rouson and the Boynton Beach representative. Joe Caselloboth Democrats, passed related measures in their respective chambers.

At a hearing on the measure in the Senate, elections supervisors from Leon, Palm Beach and Wakulla counties argued for adoption of the proposal, explaining that they had witnessed harassment and seen significant turnover in their departments due to external hostilities.

Thirty-eight percent of local poll workers reported mistreatment on the job, according to a survey. May poll by the Brennan Center for Justice — an increase of 8 percentage points compared to the previous year.

Florida”Voter Protection Act“prohibits any person from directly or indirectly using threats of force, violence or intimidation to coerce another person to vote, to abstain from voting or to refrain from acting as an elected official or legally authorized poll observer.

First-time offenders face a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

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