Tina Barton, a long-time Republican government official in Rochester Hills, Michigan, faced threats and violence following the 2020 election. As a city clerk, she had administered elections for years, noticing tensions rise since the disputed 2000 race between Al Gore and George W Bush. Barton saw increased election denialism in the years that followed, culminating in the aftermath of the 2020 vote, where she faced false accusations of election fraud from prominent figures like Ronna McDaniel.
The scrutiny and threats directed at Barton, including death threats, highlighted the dangers faced by election workers in the current political climate. Despite losing her election, Barton has focused on training other election officials and called on powerful political figures to take responsibility for their words, as they can incite violence and threats against individuals. She emphasized the impact that influential figures can have on their followers, urging them to consider the consequences of their rhetoric.
Barton’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by election workers across the country, who are increasingly becoming targets of threats and violence in the wake of contentious elections. As the integrity of the electoral process continues to be called into question, it is essential for political leaders to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure the safety of those responsible for administering elections.
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