A new U.S. intelligence memo warns that insider threats will “likely be an issue” in the November 5 election centers and ‘could derail or jeopardize a fair and transparent election process.’
The warning comes as some supporters of Donald Trump have already flagged possible problems with the voting process, revitalizing fears of violence and legal challenges if the former president loses.
Trump allies have additionally sought to install election deniers throughout the electoral system.
The new bulletin cites the Department of Homeland Security’s definition of an insider threat as an individual who “will use his or her authorized access, wittingly or unwittingly, to do harm to an entity.”
The Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC) produced the warning, which compiles intelligence from several agencies into threat reports for law enforcement partners.
It was also posted online by Property of the People, a group focused on national security and transparency.
The CIAC bulletin details how the broad scale of the electoral process could be a main source of problems.
“Due to the nature of the United States elections process, many people are involved in administering or carrying out responsibilities that support elections, all of whom have a potential to be an insider threat,” it says.
It flags warning signs to be aware of, such as individuals accessing systems they have no need to access, turning off security cameras, ignoring agency policies on accessing restricted websites, installing software, or remotely accessing computer systems at odd times.
“The entire threat picture is elevated for this election,” said Kevin Klein, Colorado’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergencies Management director. “I think it’s fair to say that insider threats are a greater concern than in previous elections.”
With a week left until Election Day, the race is extremely close
Reports of mail-in ballots being destroyed have already surfaced, and the FBI and police in two states are investigating fires at ballot boxes.
In Portland, Oregon, police are investigating after a Southeast Portland ballot box caught on fire early Monday morning, and hundreds of votes were destroyed.
In the meantime, smoke and flames were spotted early Monday morning from a ballot box in Vancouver, Washington.
The bulletin also warned of the risk of property damage or violence at a time of international wars and two attempts on former President Donald Trump’s life.
“Targeted violence and terrorism associated with ideologically motivated individuals will continue to be a threat through the 2024 election cycle,” it stated.
“There is continued dialogue amongst individuals on extremist discussion groups and forums that the results of the 2020 elections were inaccurate, including calls to infiltrate the election system. Additionally, extremist groups continue to challenge the results of current 2024 primary election wins and losses in various states, increasing the likelihood that the general public loses confidence in the election system.”
