Gottheimer announces bill, other pushes to protect poll workers, election safety - New Jersey Globe

The congressman unveiled the proposal in Hackensack on Friday

By Zach Blackburn, November 01 2024 4:02 pm

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) announced legislation Friday that would make destroying a ballot box a federal crime and pushed officials to strengthen protections for poll workers.

Gottheimer’s Ballot Box Protection Act, which he said is co-sponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), would make destroying a ballot box punishable by 20 years in prison. Ballot box security has been a major focus in recent days — one man on the West Coast has damaged hundreds of ballots in Washington and Oregon after setting ballot drop-off boxes aflame.

“If you burn a ballot drop box, you will face a $20,000 fine for each ballot you burn and 20 years in prison,” Gottheimer said. “So, to the lawless thugs who are considering interfering with our democracy, don’t even think about it.”

Gottheimer said he’s also sending a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy and Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way asking them to adopt recommendations by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security to protect poll workers. The recommendations include ID badges for poll workers and regularly checked security plans, according to a release.

Gottheimer also asked FBI Director Christopher Wray and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to work with law enforcement and state officials to bolster security at polling sites.

“Our poll workers and election officials are patriots — serving not a particular party, but rather their fellow citizens and country and are protecting the right to vote,” Gottheimer said. “I refuse to stand by while extremists try to undermine the backbone of our democracy.”

Gottheimer’s new bill is one of a series in his “Election Integrity Strategy.” The congressman has previously introduced the Election Worker and Polling Place Protection Act and the Protect Our Local Workers Act. The former expands protections for poll workers from violence, while the latter helps guarantee money for use on security at polling places.

State Sen. Gordon Johnson (D-Englewood)​​, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Bergen County Clerk John Hogan, and Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella joined Gottheimer at his Hackensack announcement on Friday.

Gottheimer is widely expected to launch a run for governor after this month’s election.