An election worker was followed from a polling center Wednesday morning, the Carroll County Sheriff's Office confirms.
The worker was followed back to the election office, but the suspect didn't speak to the poll worker.
Deputies from the Sheriff's Office were called to the early voting center for a report of possible harassment and spoke to the suspect.
"They claim to have followed the worker to ensure the ballots that had been dropped off were taken to the election office," the Sheriff's Office told WMAR-2 News. "The suspect has been advised what they are and are not allowed to do near polling sites, and advised to refrain from any actions that would be harassing or intimidating."
Jared DeMarinis, the State Elections Administrator posted to social media on Thursday that harassment was not acceptable.
I have an absolute ZERO tolerance for harassment or making threats against election officials. They have the highest level of integrity & need to do their mission in a safe environment. TY to @GovWesMoore for increasing our protections. It’s shameful an incident has occurred
— Jared DeMarinis (@JaredDeMarinis) October 31, 2024
DeMarinis later followed the tweet with this official statement:
“Early Wednesday morning, October 30, an incident occurred involving an election official carrying out their official duties managing an early voting center and checking a ballot drop box. The election official was followed by an individual creating an unsettling situation. This was not the first time it happened.
“The election official is working closely with law enforcement and has sought a peace order against the individual. While it is an active matter, I will not directly comment on the specific incident.
“I’m not specifically identifying the election official because it is irrelevant to the bigger issue. Election officials carry out their mission to ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with the law. We want every eligible Marylander to vote. Election officials inspire confidence in the system by keeping the electoral process transparent, verifying election records and results, and certifying election outcomes as the true reflection of the will of the voters. We love elections and want everyone to celebrate our democracy.
“The attacks and vitriol directed at election officials started with spread of dis and misinformation. Election officials operate in a nonpartisan fashion and belief. We understand that questioning processes and procedures are natural and encouraged for an informed electorate. Election officials are always happy to set the record straight with facts.
“However, when questioning turns to harassment or threatening behavior against election officials, a stand must occur. I applaud the election official for making that stand. I want to thank the General Assembly and Governor Moore on the passage of the Protection of the Election Officials Act earlier this year. That proactive measure brought comfort to our community, knowing that they understand and support our mission.
“I want to ensure that election officials operate in a safe environment to conduct the elections. Highlighting their work and integrity makes that occur.”
