Atlantic County election and law enforcement leaders will heighten security measures ahead of this year's presidential election.

Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds, County Clerk Joe Giralo, Superintendent of Elections Maureen Bugdon and Sheriff Joseph O’Donoghue say the measures will help ensure the safety and integrity of the election.

The mission of the Prosecutor’s Office is to provide professional leadership and guidance through the coordination of law enforcement resources, according to a release.

They include the three pillars of the office: integrity, commitment and leadership.

“The office’s mission is to ensure a safe, secure and lawful election process for all voters,” Reynolds said. “Our office is committed to protecting the rights of voters, safety of those working the election and maintaining the foundation of our democracy. We will work tirelessly with our partners to ensure that the election process is safe and secure for all."

Key security measures

Giralo outlined several measures that will enhance security and transparency:

• Additional monitors for deputies to oversee camera locations in office areas
• Increased camera installations in all public spaces
• Armed security for staff and the public
• Extra precautions to secure ballots before mailing
• Staff working in teams for weekend or overtime shifts
• Use of protective gear like aprons, gloves, and face shields when handling mail
• Closer coordination with the County Sheriff’s office
• Increased patrols through the election cycle until certification
• Narcan training for staff to handle emergencies, including potential threats from foreign substances in the mail
• Staff awareness meetings focused on security precautions

Sheriff’s Department measures

O’Donoghue detailed the department’s role in securing election processes, which includes:

• Escorting election management personnel to polling sites for troubleshooting
• Expediting and escorting election equipment in case of failures or shortages
• Maintaining law enforcement presence in election offices, particularly during court proceedings or confrontations
• Managing sensitive materials like ballots, ensuring their secure transfer across various zones
• Escorting live ballots to secure central locations post-election
• Safely returning election personnel to headquarters

Superintendent’s Office coordination

Bugdon organized multiple meetings with the prosecutor to include key stakeholders, local law enforcement, Homeland Security, county administration and Prosecutor’s Office staff. 

Topics of these meetings included: heightened security, installation of surveillance video cameras and hiring of armed security.

Prosecutor’s Office preparedness

Reynolds attended a series of meetings Bugdon coordinated to enhance and provide increased security and have additional security cameras installed in spaces where ballots are handled and in areas of safety concerns for their staff.

Additionally, a task force comprised of assistant prosecutors and detectives from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office are designated for any election related issues and will be on standby as a response team if needed during Election Day.