Election officials have long been the unsung heroes that keep the mechanisms of the democratic process rolling – from running polling places, to checking voters’ registration, to counting ballots.

But today, election officials across the country are under attack, with one-third reporting that they feel unsafe in their jobs and huge numbers resigning. In the run-up to and aftermath of the 2020 election, this often thankless work has painted a target on their back, subjecting them to baseless allegations of fraud and terrifying threats to their safety.

Our democracy itself is at risk without these qualified election administrators — without them at the helm, it’s uncertain whether our elections will be run efficiently, properly and safely.

Protect Democracy is working towards a concerted response from law enforcement and elected representatives to protect these officials and hold those who threaten them accountable.

Learn more about Protect Democracy’s work to protect election officials