Federal authorities are warning that extremists pose a security risk this election cycle

The threat of ‘violent extremists’ before the elections

U.S. intelligence agencies warn that violent extremists currently pose the greatest security threat to the nation’s election security.

HEMPIN CO. (FOX 9) – US intelligence services warn that “violent extremists” pose a security risk election cycle.

What we know

Recent incidents in multiple states have put election officials on high alert after several ballot box fires were reported.

Two recent incidents occurred in Washington state and Oregon. The preliminary investigation showed that the individual fires at the ballot boxes were caused by incendiaries.

FOX 9 spoke with local election officials who said securing the voting process and keeping election workers safe are top priorities.

Expert analysis

“It’s definitely a different world in elections than when I started doing this years ago,” said Julie Hanson, Scott County elections administrator. “The hardest part about all of this is that misinformation, disinformation, creates those divides.”

The Department of Homeland (DHS) security review found that the terrorism threat here, at home, is due to several factors, and points to the potential for “violent extremist responses to sociopolitical developments” surrounding the election.

“We have a constant source of communication for any kind of intelligence information,” Hanson said.
Carver County officials said election workers, city and county staff have undergone extensive, mandatory security training.

Hennepin County officials said they are working closely with multiple agencies to monitor both physical and cyber threats to this year’s election cycle.

Hanson said election officials are on high alert: “Now it’s definitely more involved conversations with local law enforcement to make sure everyone has all the preparation we can think of for any scenario, because you just don’t know.”

Local officials said they want the public to know they can trust this process.

“There’s someone like me in every county. There are election people who work, who do this and take pride in their work,” Hanson said. “This is an impartial process. I am a nonpartisan election worker. I don’t have that, I don’t declare party membership.”

Local officials said fortunately there are no known recent threats in our area.

Read more about a similar DHS report here.