By Sharif Hodges
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Gov. Larry Hogan and officials from the FBI, state police and U.S. attorney announced Monday a partnership to ensure that Maryland citizens are safe when they vote and have the resources to report any violations that may arise days before next Tuesday’s presidential election.
“Elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure Marylanders are able to cast their vote safely and securely,” said Hogan.
Hogan said he has spent weeks with federal, state and local officials discussing potential issues, and having a response to any dangers or inconveniences that may arise during the voting process.
“We will continue to closely coordinate our efforts through Election Day,” Hogan said. “Marylanders can be confident in the integrity of our electoral system.”
The FBI is the primary investigative agency responsible for any tampering with the 2020 election. Jennifer C. Boone, FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge, said doing everything alone would prove to be difficult, so partnerships are a must to have a smooth election without interference.
“For months, we have been coordinating important election security conversations and exercises between federal, state, and local partners in Maryland to share information, bolster security, and identify and disrupt any threats,” said Boone.
Maryland State Police also are participating. Col. Woodrow W. Jones III, Maryland State Police superintendent, said they have promised to work with local, state, and federal law enforcement to respond to any public safety threats related to voting in the state of Maryland.
“Our goal is to ensure a safe opportunity for all to exercise this important American right,” Jones said.
U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur said the Maryland State Board of Elections is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the election, state and federal law enforcement are working together to address efforts to misinform or intimidate voters.
“The right to vote is one of the most important rights exercised by Americans,” Hur said. “We will not tolerate threatening conduct that seeks to intimidate harass, or dissuade Americans from exercising their right to vote. I urge all Marylanders to report to law enforcement any efforts to infringe on their right or another person’s right to vote.”
Others who have partnered with the governor include John Eisert, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ Baltimore field office, and Peter R. Rendina, inspector in charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington Division.
In addition to the federal, state and local effort, the American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, announced on Monday an Election Protection Campaign hotline dedicated for reporting issues and questions regarding the election in Maryland. The hotline will continue to be open every day until the Nov. 3 election concludes.
The ACLU said the hotline is an addition to efforts to educate voters about their rights. Officials said voters have expanding options and ballot access has been an issue for thousands of Marylanders who are being detained pre-trial or are incarcerated for a non-felony. These people still retain their right to vote, officials said.