The provided source material focuses on election administration, polling place security, and voter outreach, with specific reference to Fairfax County, Virginia, following the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack. The content addresses safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and the impact of violent incidents on election operations. It does not contain information regarding free samples, promotional offers, no-cost product trials, brand freebies, or mail-in sample programs. Consequently, a 2000-word article on consumer freebies is not possible based on the provided data. The following is a factual summary derived exclusively from the source documents regarding election safety and administration.
Polling Place Security and Emergency Preparedness
In the wake of the San Bernardino terrorist attack, election officials across the country, including those in Fairfax County, Virginia, reassessed security protocols for polling locations. Michael Scarpello, the registrar of voters for San Bernardino County, stated that the county was planning to work with the sheriff's office to review and significantly modify existing safety procedures. While the county already had procedures for fires, earthquakes, power outages, and medical emergencies, the tragic events necessitated a higher priority on these changes.
This shift in focus highlights the historical priority of polling place security for election officials. The events in San Bernardino and the earlier tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School nearly three years prior have changed the approach to security, lending it a new sense of urgency.
Following the Sandy Hook shooting, many school districts sought to remove polling places from school buildings to ensure the safety of students and staff. Tammy Patrick, who served on the Presidential Commission on Election Administration (PCEA), noted that the Commission frequently heard about schools no longer wishing to serve as polling locations. In response, the PCEA recommended that Election Day should be a school holiday or an in-service day for teachers if schools are to remain polling places. However, the Commission did not address broader safety issues outside of the school context.
Information Resources for Election Officials
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers extensive resources regarding active shooter preparedness. Although not all information on the DHS Active Shooter Preparedness page applies directly to elections or polling places, it is considered a valuable resource for elections officials. The available materials include information on training programs, an independent study course, a webinar, and a series of resource materials.
Election administration organizations are also updating guidance. Mathew Masterson, an EAC Commissioner, indicated that the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is working to update poll worker recruitment and training information, as well as polling place management best practices.
Fairfax County Specific Measures
Fairfax County, Virginia, has a history of proactive emergency planning. Cameron Quinn, the former director of elections for Fairfax County, explained that the county had established alternative polling places and emergency operations center plans well in advance of 2012. These plans were developed in recognition of the potential for incidents in the D.C. area that might require immediate action without time for on-the-fly planning. Quinn noted that Fairfax County staff from emergency operations and police departments assisted in drafting and reviewing staff-prepared materials.
Voter Assurance and Alternative Voting Options
Election officials aim to ensure that voters feel safe visiting the polls. Patrick emphasized that while voters should be cognizant of their surroundings, they should not let fear dictate their actions. Nevertheless, officials encourage voters to be aware of their options if they have safety concerns.
Scarpello stated that San Bernardino County officials are working to ensure the safety of the polls and to reassure voters of that safety. He affirmed that the county will do everything in its power to make voting safe. However, for voters uncomfortable coming to the polls, he encouraged the use of early voting sites or requesting a mail ballot to vote from home.
Broader Election Administration Context
The source material also touches on various aspects of election administration beyond immediate security concerns.
Job Postings and Staffing
ElectionlineWeekly publishes election administration job postings weekly. An example from the provided text is the position of Assistant Registrar in Richmond, Virginia. The role involves assisting citizens in registering to vote, providing clerical assistance, maintaining voter registration records, and offering election information to candidates and the public. The salary range listed is $24,108 to $39,076, with a deadline of December 20.
Additionally, the text notes several personnel changes in election administration: * Fairfax County: Kimble Medley, former deputy elections supervisor, filed to run for Flagler County, Florida, supervisor of elections. * Washington, D.C.: Dionna Lews and Andrew Richardson were appointed to the D.C. Board of Elections, and Stephen Danzansky was reappointed. * California: Freddie Oakley, chief deputy clerk/recorder for over 30 years, stepped down to join Hillary Clinton's campaign. * North Carolina: Jackie Hyland, a former television anchor, became the new public information officer for the North Carolina State Board of Elections. * Tennessee: Shelby County Election Administrator Richard Holden resigned at the end of December. * Ohio: Tony Wobler stepped down from the Putnam County Board of Elections to run for office.
Voter Outreach and Engagement
The source material references a study by Nonprofit VOTE titled "Engaging New Voters: The Impact of Nonprofit Voter Outreach on Client and Community Turnout." This study evaluated the efforts of nonprofits and community-based organizations to increase voting among their constituents during the 2014 midterm election.
Upcoming Conferences
An upcoming conference in Washington, D.C., scheduled for February 20-24, 2016, was mentioned. The event offers educational opportunities on current and hot-topic issues, featuring speakers from key Administration officials and members of Congress. The conference concludes with a day of lobbying on Capitol Hill.
Conclusion
The provided source material offers insight into the operational challenges and safety concerns facing election administrators in 2015 and 2016, particularly in the context of active shooter threats and school-based polling locations. It details the response of officials in Fairfax County and San Bernardino County to these threats and highlights the resources available through the DHS and EAC. The text also provides a snapshot of personnel movements and job opportunities within the election administration field. There is no information available regarding consumer freebies or promotional offers.