Occasional Paper  

The Necessary and Valuable Partnership: Between Law Enforcement and Election Officials

This paper by Christine Cole, Kim Wyman, and Tina Barton explores the complex history between voting and law enforcement in the United States, highlighting how interactions with police can shape public perceptions of elections.

A photo of police car lights on top of a police car.

This report examines the complicated historical relationship between voting and law enforcement in the United States, highlighting how policing experiences can influence public attitudes toward elections.

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 to improve election safety and strengthen understanding among the diverse stakeholders involved in the electoral process.