This op-ed was originally published in Just Security.

Before the 2020 election, Tina Barton was largely unknown outside of her home city of Rochester Hills, Michigan, where — among other duties — she administered elections for the city in her role of city clerk. That anonymity quickly evaporated in the wake of the election. As President Donald Trump and his allies spread lies and conspiracy theories about the election – a concerted disinformation effort that continues to this day – Barton, herself a Republican, joined many other election officials around the country in defending the integrity of the election.

Almost immediately, Barton faced a torrent of threats and harassment, including death threats to her and her family. In just one message, the anonymous caller repeatedly threatened to kill her and her family.

Read the full op-ed on Just Security.