LAW ENFORCEMENT PREPARED TO PROTECT ELECTION SECURITY IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

By East County News Service

Local law enforcement assures the public that the safety and well-being of everyone who heads to the polls on Election Day are top priorities. 

November 2, 2024 (San Diego) -- Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in San Diego County are working to ensure Election Day (Tuesday, November 5) is a safe and rewarding experience for all voters.

If you are concerned about a potential Election Day threat or an incident that should be reported to authorities, contact your local law enforcement agency. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. For more information about election security from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, click here.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office is working with its law enforcement partners to monitor intelligence and information related to any possible threats on Election Day.  

“Currently, we do not have any credible threats to our communities.  However, we are prepared to handle any incident,” a press release from the Sheriff’s Department states.

Agencies across our region communicate regularly and have developed systems of information sharing, and a strategy of large incident management. Local law enforcement agencies voice confidence that they will be able to keep communities safe.

Below are quotes from regional law enforcement leaders:

• Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez: "In anticipation of the November 5 election, the Sheriff's Office has been proactive in working with our local, state, and federal partners to evaluate potential threats and risks. The Sheriff is the regional coordinator for mutual aid response. Over the last year, we have held multiple internal and external trainings in preparation for any event that might take place related to election activities. The Sheriff's Office will have the Sheriff's Operation Center staffed next week to quickly react and respond to any incident that could happen. We will be connected to all areas of the county to quickly understand and assess any incident that occurs. We respect everyone's right to express their opinion under the First Amendment and urge members of the public to behave in a way that is respectful of others. Finally, we want to relay to the public that we are prepared for any contingency and will ensure the safety of our communities." 
• FBI San Diego: "FBI San Diego has not received information about any threats to voters or election staff in the San Diego region; however, we are ready to respond in the unlikely event a threat appears. The FBI remains committed to ensuring a safe election process, free from intimidation and violence. Everyone is entitled to their personal views and voices as protected by our First Amendment. Should that devolve into violence, criminal activity, or threaten our national security, the FBI will investigate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to swiftly bring those accountable to justice."
• San Diego Police Department: "Exercising your right to vote is one the most fundamental American values. The San Diego Police Department is committed to protecting this process locally and in coordination with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, as well as our federal law enforcement partners. Any issues at polling places will be addressed swiftly if appropriate and after a call for service to law enforcement. We encourage civility before, during and after elections, no matter the outcome."
• El Cajon Police Department: "The El Cajon Police Department is actively enhancing safety and security measures for Election Day by increasing patrols and collaborating closely with local, state, and federal officials to ensure a safe voting environment. We are committed to protecting the rights of all voters while fostering a sense of community trust and safety throughout the election process."
• San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center (SD-LECC): "The San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center has been working closely with state, local and federal partners in preparation for the upcoming election. The SD-LECC has an interactive Election Dashboard for law enforcement and governmental emergency managers to share election related issues in real-time. The dashboard has all election polling locations in San Diego and Imperial Counties with emergency contact information and other related data to assist personnel with communications and decision-making. The San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center is not aware of any credible threats to San Diego or Imperial Counties; however, the SD-LECC will be monitoring the situation throughout the election process with its state, local and federal partners."  

If you have a concern about a potential Election Day threat or an incident that should be reported to authorities, contact your local law enforcement agency. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

For more information about election security from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, click here.