MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – In this election cycle there are deep divides between candidates, political parties as well as among the voting public. 19 News spoke with election officials and law enforcement about how to avoid trouble at the polls.
Marquette County Undersheriff Lowell Larson says his officers have received advanced training in how to handle potential problems with voter intimidation, and any other illegal activities surrounding this year’s election. Although the sheriff’s office has received no viable threats, they will be deploying extra deputies throughout the county in case they are needed.
“We’ve staffed the road with more deputies for tomorrow. Hopefully, they’re not needed, but we’ll have them in place if necessary,” said Larson..
Larson says the county will also activate it’s Emergency operations center…just in case.
“It just hasn’t been done in a long time, so this will give us a great opportunity to test our Emergency Operations Center, and hopefully it’ll just simply be a test,” said Larson.
David Allen, with the League of Woman Voters, explains that either party can send representatives, called challengers to monitor the polls. Allen is a non-partisan challenger and is tasked with making sure everything is above board regardless of party affiliation.
“Our role is to make sure that no bad actors show up from either party to try to challenge voters for improper reasons,” said Allen.
Marquette County Emergency Manager Brian Hummel feels confident his office is prepared for any unforeseen problems but has faith in the people of the U.P. to abide by election laws.
“We’re collectively concerned about what may happen or could happen, but that’s all a hypothetical, like I said, there’s been nothing articulated that’s a clear threat or or danger, that’s out there for us,” said Hummel.
If you feel intimidated or threatened while voting, the best course of action is to not engage with anyone and tell a poll worker about it at once.
