Elections. (Credit: Montgomery County)
The County has received reports of voters feeling uncomfortable with activities of other members of the public
As Election Day approaches, Montgomery County officials remind citizens to be courteous and respectful as they engage with poll workers, Voter Services staff, and other members of the public at the polls and drop boxes.
The County has received reports of voters feeling uncomfortable with activities of other members of the public engaging verbally and filming interactions outside drop boxes and Satellite Voter Services Offices.
Members of the public, including party-appointed poll watchers, party volunteers, political candidates, and other volunteers, are permitted to engage with voters and even to film in public spaces outside polling locations; however, filming inside polling locations and election offices, as well as acts of voter intimidation or harassment, are strictly prohibited.
The County’s 2,800 poll workers are responsible for the election operations across the County’s 426 polling locations and are not tasked with responding to issues relating to suspected criminal activity.
Any suspicious activity at drop boxes or polling locations—including suspected criminal activity or threats of harassment or intimidation towards voters, elections officials, or candidates—should be reported to the County’s Election Tip Line: 610-292-2024.
The Election Tip Line is managed by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, the County recently expanded the DA’s Threat Assessment Unit to respond to and investigate any reported incidents.
Residents should call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency at a polling place or drop box that directly endangers public safety. More information is available on the County’s “Who to Call for Assistance” Voter Guide.
“We want to remind people that any kind of intimidation or harassment against voters or election workers as they fulfill their civic duties is absolutely unacceptable,” said Neil K. Makhija, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. “The safety of our poll workers and voters is of the utmost importance. We are partnering very closely with the County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Department of Public Safety, and our municipal law enforcement partners to ensure that every person participating in our elections, whether helping the operations or making their voice heard, can do so safely and without fear. We are prepared to address any claims of intimidation, harassment, or violence.”
“While it’s great to see so many people who are engaged and passionate about the democratic process in Montgomery County, we also want to make sure that passions don’t run too high,” said Jamila H. Winder, vice chair of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. “Nobody should ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe while they head into their polling location, and nobody should be deterred from exercising their democratic right. If a voter does encounter a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should report that activity and seek assistance from the County and the state.”
“It is legal to film outside a Voter Services office or a polling location as these are considered public spaces,” said Tom DiBello, Montgomery County commissioner. “However, state law prohibits anyone from doing that inside a voting area. So if anyone does intend to film or take pictures outside a drop box or polling location, they need to follow the law, be respectful of other voters, and not engage with any member of the public in a way that makes them uncomfortable. Use your common sense—we’re all invested in making sure this year’s election runs smoothly.”
Montgomery County voters have many resources available to assist them, available here.
