Escalating rhetoric related to voter-fraud conspiracy theories is crossing the line into what election officials say are threats against their physical safety, with less than two weeks left before Montana’s primary election. Addressing the state Legislature’s oversight committee for election processes, Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan said Wednesday he’s been working with other organizations to encourage local election administrators and law enforcement to develop plans “for the safety of their staff, polling locations and equipment.” “Election misinformation, disinformation, the stuff that’s happening across the state, is harming and putting at risk our election officials, our election judges, our election volunteers and poll-watchers in the coming elections,” he said, adding, “someone needs to stand up and say Montanans need to be proud and feel good about the election practices we have in place and can feel confident about their vote.” Mangan cited potential threats directed at election officials in Carbon and Cascade counties, and asked the State Administration and Veterans Affairs Interim Committee to consider legislation that would enhance protections for election officials and judges against safety threats.
Montana: Broken seals, shredding and a FBI investigation: Carbon County couple raise election concerns | Darrell Erlick/Daily Montanan
Albert “Chip” and Lisa Bennett filed a lawsuit in Carbon County, Montana, and initiated an investigation by the state Department of Criminal Investigation, now reportedly with the FBI, seeking answers regarding Election Night 2022 irregularities. The Bennetts, not aligning with any party, became concerned when they observed broken safety seals on voting machines during a demonstration, suggesting possible tampering. Despite their claim that the 2020 election was not rigged, the Bennetts sought information about the broken seals, shredded ballots on video, and a commissioner handling ballots. Carbon County officials stated the seals were replaced during servicing, but the Bennetts allege unresponsiveness, prompting them to request thousands of emails for clues. Read Article