Montgomery County officials stress rights, responsibilities and safety as election approaches

The district has received reports that voters feel uncomfortable with the activities of other members of the public

As Election Day approaches, Montgomery County officials are reminding citizens to be polite and respectful when interacting with poll workers, voter service personnel and other members of the public at the polls and at the drop boxes.

The county has received reports that voters feel uncomfortable with the actions of other members of the public verbally and videotaped outside of drop boxes and satellite voter service offices.

Members of the public, including party-appointed poll observers, party volunteers, political candidates and other volunteers, are allowed to interact with voters and even film in public places outside polling stations; however, filming inside polling stations and election commissions, as well as acts of intimidation or harassment of voters, are strictly prohibited.

The county’s 2,800 employees are responsible for election operations at the county’s 426 polling stations and are not tasked with responding to issues related to suspected criminal activity.

Any suspicious activity in the boxes or at the polling stations, including suspicion of criminal activity or threats to harass or intimidate voters, election commission officials or candidates, should be reported to the district election service line: 610-292-2024.

The Election Notification Line is operated by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. In addition, the county recently expanded the prosecutor’s office’s Threat Assessment Unit to respond to and investigate any reported incidents.

Residents should call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency at the polls or at the drop box that directly threatens public safety. More information is available on the district’s website Handbook for voters “Who to turn to for help”..

“We want to remind people that any form of intimidation or harassment of voters or election workers in the performance of their civic duties is completely unacceptable,” said Neil K. Mahija, chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. “The safety of our poll workers and voters is extremely important. We work very closely with the County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Public Safety and our municipal law enforcement partners to ensure that every person who participates in our elections, whether they are assisting with operations or doing his voice, can do it safely and without fear. We are prepared to deal with any claims of intimidation, harassment or violence.”

“While it’s great to see so many people interested in the democratic process in Montgomery County, we also want to make sure that passions don’t run too high,” said Jamila H. Winder, Montgomery County Vice Chair. Electoral Commission. “No one should ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe going to the polling station, and no one should be prevented from exercising their democratic right. If a voter encounters a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should report it and seek help from the county and state.”

“It’s legal to film outside of a voter service office or polling place because those are considered public places,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello. “However, state law prohibits anyone from doing so inside a polling area. Therefore, if someone intends to film or take photographs outside a drop box or polling station, they must comply with the law, respect other voters and not interact with any member of the public in a way that makes them uncomfortable. Use your common sense — we’re all invested in making sure this year’s election goes smoothly.”

Montgomery County voters have many resources to help them, available here.