California's Bay Area is witnessing a rise in threats of violence against its local leaders, leaving officials feeling vulnerable and fearful for their safety. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee was the target of one such incident when she received death threats laden with racial slurs via email, which were later reported to police.
According to Assemblymember Mia Bonta, who coauthored AB 789, a bill aimed at addressing escalating threats against state-level elected officials, these intimidation tactics are damaging politics and discouraging community leaders from taking up the office. However, this legislation falls short in protecting local leaders on city councils, county boards of supervisors, school boards, and other offices where officials often face ongoing harassment and threats.
Community leaders are forced to foot the bill for security measures themselves, as these elected officials fear for their lives and safety. In a chilling trend, research from the Brennan Center for Justice revealed that women are three to four times more likely to experience abuse targeting their gender than men, while non-white officeholders are over three times as likely to face abuse targeting their race.
This crisis has severe consequences on democracy, with fears of election-related violence and harassment resulting in up to 6 million voters staying home in the 2024 elections. These intimidation tactics disproportionately target women, people of color, and LGBTQ officials, leading to systematic exclusion from self-governance.
The League of Women Voters of Oakland is sounding the alarm, emphasizing that protecting local leaders' safety is crucial to democracy itself. To combat this issue, strengthened protections for local officials, hardened security at polling places, clearer communication about election threats, and a nonpartisan commitment to improving safety are essential.
In essence, safeguarding voters and public servants is not only a matter of personal safety but also the foundation of our democratic system. It is imperative that we take immediate action to address these rising threats and ensure all citizens can participate safely in the political process.
According to Assemblymember Mia Bonta, who coauthored AB 789, a bill aimed at addressing escalating threats against state-level elected officials, these intimidation tactics are damaging politics and discouraging community leaders from taking up the office. However, this legislation falls short in protecting local leaders on city councils, county boards of supervisors, school boards, and other offices where officials often face ongoing harassment and threats.
Community leaders are forced to foot the bill for security measures themselves, as these elected officials fear for their lives and safety. In a chilling trend, research from the Brennan Center for Justice revealed that women are three to four times more likely to experience abuse targeting their gender than men, while non-white officeholders are over three times as likely to face abuse targeting their race.
This crisis has severe consequences on democracy, with fears of election-related violence and harassment resulting in up to 6 million voters staying home in the 2024 elections. These intimidation tactics disproportionately target women, people of color, and LGBTQ officials, leading to systematic exclusion from self-governance.
The League of Women Voters of Oakland is sounding the alarm, emphasizing that protecting local leaders' safety is crucial to democracy itself. To combat this issue, strengthened protections for local officials, hardened security at polling places, clearer communication about election threats, and a nonpartisan commitment to improving safety are essential.
In essence, safeguarding voters and public servants is not only a matter of personal safety but also the foundation of our democratic system. It is imperative that we take immediate action to address these rising threats and ensure all citizens can participate safely in the political process.
I just heard about this & it's wild how some people think they can just threaten others 'cause they're in power... like, what even is that? 
I mean, I get that some folks might be feeling anxious or upset about politics, but this is beyond that. Threats are a huge no-go, and it's not okay to make someone feel scared for their life. 
We need better protection & support for our local leaders so they can focus on serving the community instead of cowering in fear. 
It's also super concerning that women & people of color are getting targeted more often... we gotta do better than this! 
. And what really gets me is that these officials are expected to pay for their own security measures... it's like we're talking about a private club here, not a public service 
And what's up with the forum's new font? It's all bouncy and fun, but honestly, makes it hard to read. Can't we just stick with a plain old Arial or something?! 
. I mean, some people are literally getting hurt or threatening with violence... meanwhile, others are like "oh, we're gonna make this bill and that'll fix everything" 
and it's not just about Barbara Lee, this is happening everywhere - Oakland, other cities, even small towns no one should have to fear for their life just because they're trying to make a difference 
. The statistics are just chilling - women are three times more likely to experience abuse targeting their gender, while non-white officeholders face abuse targeting their race 
. Let's get serious about safeguarding our voters and public servants - it's time for real change 
.
I'm shocked that politicians have to pay for their own security. Like, who does that? 
i mean what can we do?