Before the first vote happens in New Hampshire's presidential primary, officials are already figuring out how to keep the election safe, according to a recent report from the New Hampshire Information and Analysis Center (NHIAC).
The report, shared with law enforcement on Jan. 17 and seen by ABC News, talks about various potential threats to the primary set for Tuesday. It mentions there's no specific threat info, but it's a reminder for law enforcement not to ignore possible risks and to be ready to handle any issues.
The NHIAC is worried about threats from foreign terrorists, racially motivated extremists, domestic extremists, and others who might want to disrupt the US elections. Even though there's no concrete threat, the report emphasizes the importance of dealing with potential problems before they happen.
"The 2024 election cycle is happening in a time of high danger for the US," says John Cohen, a former intelligence chief at the Department of Homeland Security. "Just because we don't have exact information about a threat doesn't mean there isn't one. We know the threat is there."
Experts say the 2024 presidential primary is happening in a globally tense environment. It's the first race since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Capitol attack on Jan. 6. There's also intense political talk, former President Donald Trump facing trials, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Add to that, hate speech and misinformation on social media, making technology a target for adversaries who want to mess with US elections.
"The current threat is built on anger and widespread division in our society and politics," says Cohen. "Election officials need to be ready to act if something happens – but you can't wait for it to happen."
Some state election officials, like Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, have already faced false reports and threats. Public events, especially political ones, are easy targets for violence or disruption.
The NHIAC report talks about potential threats from foreign cyber operations to covert influence operations targeting election security. Advanced artificial intelligence is expected to be used to spread false stories and shape public opinion.
The report also lists signs that could show someone is planning an attack, like unattended luggage, increased social media talk about event vulnerabilities, or power loss at voting locations.
State and local election websites, emails, and social media are at risk, according to the report. New Hampshire uses secure, non-electronic voting methods, but there's still concern about potential threats.
New Hampshire's secretary of state, David Scanlan, predicts a high turnout in the Republican primary. The report is a roadmap for authorities to keep the election secure, offering insights into potential threats and even including a map of polling locations.
Public safety officials in New Hampshire are working on backup plans for the primary, staying aware of events in other states and worldwide. They're focused on making sure citizens can vote safely on Tuesday.
"The threat might seem overwhelming, but with a plan, it's less daunting," says Cohen. "And we're starting to see that planning in action."
iowa caucus
iowa caucus results
nikki haley
vivek ramaswamy
donald trump
iowa caucus 2024
new hampshire primary
ron desantis
iowa
dean phillips
elise stefanik
president biden
michelle obama
asa hutchinson
desantis
ryan binkley
tim scott
marianne williamson
republican primary
new hampshire primary polls
iowa caucus 2024 results
new hampshire
ramaswamy
iowa results
538