John Impallomeni, Jacob Robison, Dominic Bianco, Camilla Raffaelli
Finley Thomas, Editor; Jennifer Loy, Chief Editor
November 5, 2024
Polling Station[1]
Event: On November 4, 2024, two Ohio-based Proud Boys chapters posted statements declaring they would be watching polling places across the state, additionally claiming the group’s members are serving as poll workers.[2] Their Telegram posts also referenced plans to observe polls nationwide, prepared to respond in the event of perceived voter fraud.[3] Amid increased mobilization rhetoric for the elections, the active presence of the group at polling stations can pose a direct threat to election officials and the integrity of the voting system.[4] The Proud Boys share grievances ranging from distrust in public institutions and fear of non-white people becoming the majority, to the protection of men’s rights, but predominantly showcasing concerns regarding a potential Democrat win and distrust for the current government.[5] The group is active across various states, with increased presence amidst the elections in swing states such as Michigan.[6]
Significance: The Proud Boys' strong political convictions, sovereignty, and belief in the importance of the outcome of this election will likely lead to confrontation if they encounter resistance from law enforcement and other public servants at polling stations. Due to the numerous calls to violence within in-group communication channels, group members at election sites will likely resort to threats of violence, intimidation techniques, and possible acts of violence against election officials. This risk will very likely manifest both during and after voting, particularly during the vote-counting and confirmation stages of the election process. Any violent incidents will likely disrupt the vote-counting process, delaying the reading of the results and causing suspicion among election result deniers. Heightened suspicions of election fraud will very likely heighten tension and grievances, likely leading to similar events that happened on January 6, 2021.
The threat of violence will likely expand beyond Ohio, with states that have higher concentrations of Proud Boys chapters, such as Michigan and Oregon, likely facing similar risk levels. Poll-watching Proud Boys in these areas will likely carry firearms, openly or concealed, at or near polling places, likely defying firearm prohibition laws in certain states. So-called poll watchers will also likely wear tactical gear, such as bulletproof vests, helmets, and multiple AR magazines, almost certainly to intimidate Democrat voters and imply readiness for conflict. Their tactical gear and militaristic uniforms will very likely display symbolic patches referencing Right-Wing Death Squad (RWDS), Proud Boys logos, and anti-opposition rhetoric.
Proud Boys members have very likely gained insight from past encounters with law enforcement to wear colors and display symbols of membership to make them identifiable. There is a roughly even chance members will attempt to infiltrate the political process as volunteer poll workers, using plain clothes to blend in. Once embedded, they will likely position themselves to observe voting procedures, voter turnout, and ballot handling. Members legally serving as helpers at the polls will likely maintain communication with members on standby, ready to act if suspicious activity is detected.
Recommendations
The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) recommends Ohio state and local law enforcement monitor polling stations, by conducting directed patrols in polling areas or assigning uniformed Police Officers at voting centers to detect signs of Proud Boys presence or hostilities between individuals.
Federal agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) should deploy plainclothes officers at polling stations in areas with active Proud Boys chapters.
Law enforcement in major metropolitan cities should fully activate all police personnel, streamline extra shifts, and coordinate effective communication to ensure resident and property safety.
Law enforcement agencies with specialized units trained in advanced weaponry and tactics should be on standby and ready to assist if necessary.
State fusion centers and regional operations intelligence centers should assign analysts to monitor local Proud Boys groups' and other extremist organizations' social media, communications, and activities.
Poll workers should receive training to recognize suspicious activity and effectively de-escalate verbal disputes. Election workers should be advised to contact law enforcement for immediate help if any identifiable members of the Proud Boys appear at polling sites.
Individuals should use hotlines to contact law enforcement to report any threats or concerns about online activities related to the elections.
If there is any additional and or critical information please contact us at The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) by Telephone 202-643-2848 or email info@counterterrorismgroup.com
[1] Polling, generated by a third-party database
[2] Proud Boys claim they’ll be at polling places as Trump ups violent rhetoric and election fraud claims, NBC News, November 5 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/proud-boys-claim-polling-places-trump-ups-violent-rhetoric-election-fr-rcna178386
[3] Ibid
[4] FLASH ALERT: FAR-RIGHT GROUPS CALL ON TELEGRAM FOLLOWERS TO CONTEST VOTES IN DEMOCRAT-LEANING AREAS; IMAGES OF ARMED SUPPORTERS AND REVOLT RHETORIC SPARK CONCERN OVER ELECTION DISRUPTION, The Counterterrorism Group, November 4 2024, https://www.counterthreatcenter.com/post/flash-alert-right-wing-groups-call-on-telegram-followers-to-contest-votes-in-democrat-leaning-areas
[5] PSA: THE PROUD BOYS AND OTHER MISOGYNIST/MALE-CENTERED GROUPS POSE SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO CIVILIANS AND OFFICIALS; LAW ENFORCEMENT SHOULD MONITOR RALLIES, PROTESTS, AND ELECTION EVENTS, the Counterterrorism Group, October 7, 2024, https://www.counterthreatcenter.com/post/psa-the-proud-boys-and-other-misogynist-male-centered-groups-pose-significant-threat-to-civilians-a
[6] FLASH ALERT: FAR-RIGHT GROUPS CALL ON TELEGRAM FOLLOWERS TO CONTEST VOTES IN DEMOCRAT-LEANING AREAS; IMAGES OF ARMED SUPPORTERS AND REVOLT RHETORIC SPARK CONCERN OVER ELECTION DISRUPTION, The Counterterrorism Group, November 4 2024, https://www.counterthreatcenter.com/post/flash-alert-right-wing-groups-call-on-telegram-followers-to-contest-votes-in-democrat-leaning-areas