Domestic violent extremists and other threat actors “with election-related grievances” are seeking “to disrupt the democratic process and election operation,” according to a U.S. Homeland Security bulletin. The bulletins were acquired by the nonprofit government transparency group Property of the People through a Freedom of Information Act request.
The DHS warns that some potential threats include violence at polling places, destroying ballot drop boxes and physical violence at voter registration sites and campaign events.
In another October bulletin, DHS cautions that domestic violent extremists are creating and promoting narratives about the election process and political figures, raising concerns that these grievances could incite violence, similar to the 2020 election cycle.
DHS warns that until at least early 2025, there is an increased risk that domestic violent extremists may mobilize against ideological opponents, government officials and law enforcement in efforts to spark a civil war.
The documents also reveal that some social media users are discussing ways to sabotage ballot drop boxes and evade detection while doing so, increasing risks to election infrastructure ahead of the 2024 cycle.
Currently, FBI investigators are looking into drop box fires that happened Monday morning, Oct. 28, in Washington state and Oregon.
The DHS bulletin points out that “some threat actors may perceive ballot drop boxes as ‘soft targets’ because they’re more accessible.”
DHS states it “will remain transparent as well as agile to combat and secure our physical and cyber infrastructure against new and evolving threats.”
