Hundreds of security contractors have been dispatched by USPA Nationwide Security in Dade and Broward Counties, prepared to respond to calls from election sites, similar to the ones they received in 2020, to prevent voter harassment and cybercrimes on election day.
Providing security guards in Miami in order to prevent targeted voter harassment (protecting democracy by ensuring voter safety)
In order to discourage voters from participating in the political process, targeted voter harassment is used. It has been reported in some areas that vigilante-style acts of violence, threats, or even stalking are committed in order to stop people from voting. An important step to take is to report suspected instances of voter intimidation. Ensure that the location and date of the incident are included. There are a number of voter protection hotlines that are operated by different organizations. As an example, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law administers the Election Protection Hotline.
Since 2020, HAVA funds for election protection have increased to $75 million. This money has been provided to many states in order to make their elections safer. There are still obstacles that election officials must overcome in order to resolve this issue. The threat is not being taken seriously by some state election officials, and local law enforcement departments are not willing to assist. There have also been pledges made by some state attorneys general to prosecute individuals who threaten elections.
In the past, USPA provided armed security guards in Miami locations where voters felt threatened by onlookers who followed them, threatened violence, and livestreamed voting stations, according to Albena Biaci of USPA’s Customer Support Team. Vigilant harassment of voters is forbidden by law. Such activities may even be illegal in some instances. The local elections department or district attorney should be notified if you see someone engaging in this activity.
Cybercriminals attack voter registration databases
A successful election system is dependent on the security of voter registration databases, according to Brian Fitzgibbons, VP at the USPA. It should be noted, however, that no technology is completely secure, and some state networks may still contain vulnerabilities. Hackers are capable of breaching voter databases, as we witnessed in 2020. It is for this reason that cybersecurity services are so critical.
A hacker who gains access to a voter registration system could cause chaos in two ways. It may be more difficult or more time consuming for poll workers to check in voters at polling places as a result of their interference with voter data. It is also possible for hackers to steal voter data in order to engage in targeted harassment.
Nevertheless, many states print out paper copies of voter rolls and distribute them to local officials as a backup source of information. This is in case an electronic database malfunctions or becomes unavailable.
The USPA’s Nationwide Security Overview
USPA has been providing Miami security guard services and fire watch guards in Dade County and throughout the United States, in most cities. In addition, they offer executive protection agents throughout the Caribbean since 2005.
