Rep. Larsen: Department of Justice must protect election workers and democratic process

||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. RICK LARSEN |||

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) recently joined Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05) and 30 House Democrats in calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide more information on how the DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force is addressing threats of violence toward election workers across the country.

In a November 3 letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the lawmakers wrote, “Our constituents want and deserve efficient and effective election administration, so it is critical that the Department of Justice take affirmative steps to ensure the invaluable foot soldiers of our democracy can safely carry out their jobs.” To read the full letter, click here.

“Any threat toward an election worker is a threat to our democracy. I urge the Department of Justice to provide more details about its critical work to ensure election workers can safely and effectively do their job and voters are confident in the integrity of the democratic process,” added Larsen.

Background on DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force

In July 2021, the DOJ established the Elections Threats Task Force to “address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers—whether they are elected, appointed, or serve as volunteers—are permitted to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation.” In August, the DOJ announced the Task Force had reviewed more than 1,000 contacts reported as hostile or harassing.

Larsen’s Record on Protecting Democracy

Larsen is a champion of breaking downs barriers to ensure all citizens can participate in democracy.

• In July, Larsen and Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) called for answers about widespread mail delays reported to both offices in Whatcom, Snohomish and Island counties, including the delivery of mail ballots.
• In December 2021, Larsen supported the Protecting Our Democracy Act to prevent presidential abuses and restore the Constitutional system of checks and balances.
• In August 2021, Larsen supported the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore critical protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and keep the promise of democracy for all Americans.
• In March 2021, Larsen supported the For The People Act to strengthen voting rights, expand access to the ballot box, end corruption, hold elected officials accountable and get dark money out of politics. The bill included Larsen’s legislation to eliminate unnecessary, discriminatory voter ID barriers that disenfranchise citizens and undermine democracy. Larsen modeled the legislation on Washington state’s successful voting system that allows voters to affirm their identity through a sworn, written statement with a mail-in ballot.