Protecting Election Workers and Voters

Nov 07, 2022

Council President Blaine A. Griffin introduced, and council members approved, legislation prohibiting the harassment of election workers and their families.

The enacted new Sections of a codified ordinance relating to Harassment of Election Officials and Loitering or Congregating near Polling Places.

New Section 605.18 prohibits anyone, directly or indirectly, from threatening, intimidating, menacing or harassing an election official or their family member. Violation is a first degree misdemeanor, with a mandatory prison term of at least three days. The law prohibits threats and other types of intimidation made in-person, over the phone, via text or other direct-messaging.

New Section 605.19 codifies what’s already in state law that prohibits loitering, congregating or engaging in election campaigning near polling locations, as well as hindering or delaying an elector from reaching or leaving the polling place. Violation is a first degree misdemeanor, with a mandatory prison term of at least three days. Ord. 1192-2022.

With the Mayor’s signature Monday night, it is immediately in effect in time for election day tomorrow, Nov. 8^th.

The law is in response to growing concerns in the United States about election-related intimidation in the run-up to the midterms.