The Necessary and Valuable Partnership: Law Enforcement and Election Officials

This report examines the complicated historical relationship between voting and law enforcement in the United States, highlighting how policing experiences can influence public attitudes towards the presence of law enforcement at voting locations.

The authors discuss the growing need to ensure the safety and security of election officials, poll workers, and voters, examining the new initiatives and partnerships that emerged during the 2020, 2022, and 2024 elections to address safety concerns.

The paper offers key recommendations and resources for both law enforcement and election officials to improve election safety and strengthen partnerships among the diverse stakeholders involved in the electoral process.