In the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election on November 5, election officials in key battleground states are sending a message loud and clear: attempts to disrupt, delay, or block the certification of results will not be tolerated. From Arizona to Pennsylvania, new layers of oversight are being enforced, with the threat of criminal penalties hanging over those who stray from their legal duties.
These preemptive measures reflect the heightened vigilance stemming from lingering falsehoods about the 2020 election. Even as former President Donald Trump continues to insist that fraud cost him his previous run, election officials are drawing firm boundaries to avoid a repeat of those chaotic narratives. States are bracing themselves for the possibility of non-compliance by local officials—and making it known that breaking the rules could lead to fines, legal battles, or even jail time.
Pennsylvania: Back Off or Face Misdemeanors
Pennsylvania recently warned Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo after she blocked the use of drop boxes for early voting, citing safety concerns. State officials intervened, reminding her that election rules rest with the county elections board. The message was simple: follow state law or face criminal charges. Crocamo, who initially faced pressure from political activists, quickly reversed her decision after receiving a formal warning from the attorney general’s office.
Wisconsin: Mayor Under Investigation
Wausau Mayor Doug Diny stirred controversy when he removed a locked drop box from City Hall, disregarding a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that allowed its use. The state’s Justice Department has since opened an investigation. “Election officials need to comply with the law,” said Wisconsin’s attorney general, underscoring the growing determination to clamp down on unauthorized actions that could compromise the voting process.
Michigan: From Felonies to Fiscal Threats
In Michigan, three election workers are facing felony charges after allegedly allowing voters to cast multiple ballots in a recent primary. Officials are also applying financial pressure on local boards that resist certifying election results. Two Delta County board members, both Republicans, refused to certify a local recall vote, citing suspiciously identical margins. State officials responded with warnings that the county would bear the financial burden for delays. Within days, the board certified the results, though both members later resigned.
Arizona and Nevada: Breaking the Law, Paying the Price
Two officials in Arizona’s Cochise County are set to stand trial on felony charges for delaying the certification of 2022 election results, despite warnings about violating state deadlines. In Nevada, county commissioners reversed a decision not to certify primary results after facing the threat of criminal prosecution and the risk of losing their offices.
Colorado: Prison Time for Election Tampering
The stakes are highest in Colorado, where former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters was sentenced to nine years in prison for tampering with voting machines. Peters, a vocal supporter of Trump’s false election claims, was rebuked by the judge for betraying public trust. “You are no hero,” the judge said. “You exploited your position to spread lies that have already been discredited.”
No Room for Shenanigans
With heightened scrutiny and the threat of legal action, election officials across these states are leaving no room for ambiguity. “We’ve made it clear—anyone who oversteps their authority will face the consequences,” said Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The stakes are not just political but legal, as officials aim to ensure the smooth certification of election results without partisan interference.
The message from state governments is firm: the integrity of the vote comes first, and those who attempt to derail the process will face swift and severe consequences.
