Councilmember Anita Bonds
A RESOLUTION
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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To declare the existence of an emergency with respect to the District of Columbia Theft and
White Collar Crimes Act of 1982 to enhance penalties imposed for certain crimes against
election officials.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Election Worker Protection Second Emergency Declaration
Resolution of 2024”.
Sec. 2. (a) This measure addresses safety concerns faced by the District of Columbia
Board of Elections officials and election workers. The measure will provide additional
safeguards to election workers and volunteers to help ensure District elections are safe for
everyone.
(b) The 2024 elections continued a nationwide trend that saw increasing threats and abuse
directed at election officials and volunteer poll workers. As one example, election offices in at
least six states around the country reported incidents of receiving suspicious packages. The
District of Columbia, as the nation’s capital, faces additional scrutiny during hotly contested
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presidential elections. In addition to being targeted in harassing voice mail messages, the District
of Columbia Board of Elections reported that someone shattered the outer glass to their office
suite. While the presidential election is now complete, District of Columbia election workers
could face ongoing threats and harassment related to their duties. Furthermore, protections must
be in place if the Board is required to hold any special elections. These protections cannot be
allowed to lapse, and we must continue to protect our election workers until permanent
legislation can be enacted. This measure will increase the penalties for crimes against election
officials and elections workers to deter these crimes and show that the safety of these workers is
a priority of our government.
(c) Emergency legislation is therefore necessary to ensure that we deter crimes against
our election officials and workers before current protections expire in January.
Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia determines that the circumstances
enumerated in section 2 constitute emergency circumstances making it necessary that the
Election Worker Protection Second Emergency Amendment Act of 2024 be adopted after a
single reading.
Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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Chairman
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Council of the District of Columbia
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Mayor
District of Columbia
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