Elections workers offered additional protection

April 11, 2024

PORT ORCHARD – Elections workers have additional protections against threats and harassment, thanks to legislation passed this year with large majorities from both parties in both legislative chambers.  

The new law makes it a Class C felony to threaten or harass election officials for anything related to their official duties. A person can be charged with a felony for threatening or harassing an elections official while they work or because of work they already performed.

Additionally, an election worker threatened or harassed under this law will be eligible to apply for the state's Address Confidentiality Program.

Paul Andrews, Kitsap County Auditor, helped work with other county auditors and state legislators over several years to get this legislation passed. "Elections workers are a vital part of the work necessary to uphold the integrity and effectiveness of this country's democratic process. They deserve this kind of protection, which will help them do their jobs with a greater sense of security," Andrews said.

Elections workers across the country, including in Washington, have been targeted for threats and harassment in growing numbers in the past few years. Those threats include mail with suspicious powder sent to county elections offices during the past year. In 2020 the state's director of elections had her face placed inside crosshairs on a website that included her email, home address and a photo of her home.

"Over the past six years that I've been in office, some of the most dedicated, patriotic Americans I've met are the ones processing our elections," Andrews said. "I'm glad our legislators saw fit to offer this extra bit of security."

All nine legislators representing Kitsap County districts voted in favor of the bill.

The new law became effective on March 26.

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