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Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office prioritizes voter safety during Election Day

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office personnel address the media at the Registrar of Voters.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is committed to safeguarding the voting process, ensuring that all community members can exercise their fundamental right to vote safely and without intimidation.

With Election Day upon us, the Sheriff’s Office, alongside neighboring law enforcement agencies, has increased efforts to monitor and address any election-related threats swiftly.

“We are prepared to resolve any potential problems that may arise during this year’s General Election,” Assistant Sheriff Rich Urena said. “Several laws are in place to ensure election interference and intimidation does not occur.”

Prohibited actions include blocking access to voting locations, damaging voting devices or ballot drop boxes, compelling a person to vote for a particular candidate or issue, or disrupting the process of counting ballots.

Assistant Sheriff Rich Urena addresses reporters.

 

To bolster election security, the Sheriff’s Office has implemented several measures:

  • Increased deputies on patrol: while deputies will not be stationed directly at polling places, they will drive through parking lots and surrounding areas to quickly address any issues.
  • Collaboration with federal and local partners: Officials are coordinating with local election staff and federal agencies to implement security measures that do not interfere with the voting process.
  • Rapid response to disruptions: Deputies are prepared to respond immediately to any threats or reports of voter intimidation.
  • Comprehensive operational plan: The Sheriff’s Office has developed an extensive plan to address public safety concerns specific to the voting process.

The Sheriff’s Office will not have an overly visible presence at polling sites. We want the community to feel comfortable dropping off their ballots or voting in-person. 

“It is only by working together that we can make certain every member of our community’s voice is respected, heard, and counted,” Urena said.

Community members are encouraged to report suspicious behavior with their local law enforcement organization.

Assistant Sheriff Rich Urena addresses reporters.