What’s Breaking Through About Public Safety at Polling Places

Despite heightened political tensions in recent years, nonpartisan election officials and local law enforcement nationwide continue to take substantial, behind-the-scenes steps to ensure voters can cast their ballots securely, confidently, and without interference.

Working closely with local law enforcement, election officials have invested in safety, including training in deescalation, upgrading physical security in election offices, polling places, and vote counting facilities, and combating harmful election misinformation.

There is still some concern among Americans that election-related violence is possible. The 2024 election saw sporadic incidents, including hoax bomb threats at polling locations and harassment and threats to election officials. But preparation by election officials and local law enforcement allowed the voting process to proceed smoothly.

Ahead of the 2026 elections, threats and fears include deployments of federal agents at polling places, the potential presence of militias, and other potential disruptions. But the facts remain that incidences of violence at voting locations is extremely rare in the United States and that Americans widely reject election violence. Voters can walk into their local polling place confident that their election officials and local law enforcement partners have worked to ensure the process remains free, fair, and secure.

Here are the messages from state leaders that are resonating with Americans, based on States United research:

• Rates of violence are low, but you can take safety precautions to feel safer.
  • It’s safe to vote.
  • Whether by mail, drop box, or in person, casting a ballot is safe across the country.
  • In the 2024 election, less than 10% of Americans reported experiencing any type of safety incident while voting.
  • If you are concerned about safety, make a plan: vote early, vote by mail, go with friends—whatever gives you the peace of mind to feel safe and make sure you have your voice heard this November.
  • Election officials in your community have been preparing for months to make sure everything goes smoothly.
• State officials collaborate with local law enforcement to keep voters safe.
  • Your election officials are working hand in hand with local law enforcement to keep you safe at the polls.
  • In America, we all deserve to vote safely.
  • Your vote is yours. We’re going to make sure you’re protected from threats and intimidation.