In a significant move to bolster election worker safety in a key battleground state, officials in Cobb County, Georgia, are taking proactive steps to shield their staff from mounting threats. This week, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners greenlit a $47,250 budget to procure approximately 200 panic buttons for election workers, gearing up for what promises to be a contentious presidential election this fall. This decision underscores the county's commitment to ensuring that those on the front lines of democracy can work without fear.
The panic buttons, supplied by Runbeck Election Services, a company based in Arizona, come in partnership with Response Technologies, an Ohio security firm. Runbeck is well-known for its role in printing ballots and providing election equipment nationwide. These sleek devices, about the size of a credit card, are designed to be worn on lanyards or tucked away in pockets. They work in tandem with users' cellphones, enabling quick dispatch of GPS locations to emergency services when activated.
Each panic button, which costs between $150 and $250 annually, can be programmed to alert election officials, law enforcement, or both, according to Matt Volkerding, VP of Sales at Response Technologies. This innovative solution is part of a broader initiative to address the escalating threats faced by election workers, with around 40% of them reporting incidents of threats, harassment, or abuse this year.
Runbeck's partnership with Response Technologies, which began nearly a month ago, has already sparked significant interest across the country. The companies are in discussions to distribute 1,500 of these panic buttons across at least five states. Jeff Ellington, CEO of Runbeck, shared that the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We thought maybe 10 or 20 counties would show interest, and it’s been every county or state that we’ve talked to has shown interest in this,” he noted.
This move comes at a time when election officials are grappling with an increasingly hostile environment. Since 2020, 17 states and Washington, D.C., have ramped up protections for poll workers and election officials, as reported by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Many counties are also integrating de-escalation training into their programs to better prepare workers for potentially volatile situations.
The push for enhanced security measures is partly fueled by former President Donald Trump’s continued claims about the legitimacy of the 2020 election, which have now extended to concerns about the 2024 election. These assertions have spurred heightened fears of threats and harassment that could disrupt the voting process.
Across the country, states and local governments have been busy conducting security assessments and coordinating multiagency exercises to address potential election-related issues. While some areas are increasing police presence at polling stations, others are exploring technologies like panic buttons to ensure election workers can quickly reach law enforcement if needed.
In addition to Cobb County, Colorado has also adopted similar panic button systems. However, Colorado State Department spokesperson Kailee Stiles refrained from commenting on specific security measures. Cobb County officials have likewise been tight-lipped about their security strategies.
Meanwhile, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has announced a new cellphone-based program, inspired by a similar initiative in Georgia from 2022. This program enables counties to directly text information to law enforcement agencies, providing a detailed context of potential threats or emergencies. Mike Hassinger, spokesperson for the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, revealed that nearly half of Georgia’s 159 counties have adopted this texting system, citing it as a cost-effective alternative to physical panic buttons.
Zachary Manifold, Gwinnett County’s elections supervisor, expressed some reservations about the implementation of panic buttons. He mentioned concerns about false alarms and the learning curve associated with the technology, drawing on feedback from schools that have used similar systems. “We’re trying to figure out if maybe there’s something else, so we’re kicking around the idea of it,” he said.
This cautious approach mirrors the experience of Kim Wyman, a former Washington Secretary of State and a senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Wyman recounted a time when she, as the elections director in Thurston County, Washington, faced challenges with panic buttons. Her team’s initial attempt to use the device was unsuccessful because they weren’t following the correct procedure, and the police weren’t monitoring the system effectively. “It’s a good tool for staff to have to make them feel more comfortable,” Wyman advised, “but you absolutely have to drill and practice with it.”
Overall, the introduction of these panic buttons represents a significant step in enhancing the safety and security of election workers. As the political climate grows more charged, the need for reliable and effective security measures becomes ever more critical. With the implementation of such technologies, election officials hope to provide a safer working environment and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
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