Voter, poll worker protections at top of mind amid heightened political tensions

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Local county boards of elections are prioritizing safety for voters and poll workers this November after the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on Saturday. Putnam County elections officials said the process to implement safety began well before this weekend's events. "We do everything possible to have everything planned so that not only are voters safe, but our election workers are safe," Putnam County Democratic Election Commissioner Catherine Croft said. This includes having a police presence outside each polling place, bolstering cybersecurity efforts and increasing the number of early voting locations to reduce day-of voting congestion at the polls. "There are a lot of resources available for boards of elections and you know, we are utilizing all resources that are available to us," Croft said. Elections officials in Rockland County said presidential year races always bring a sense of heightened volatility but no immediate changes were being considered. Saturday's shooting is giving some voters pause on whether they'll attend future political gatherings. "I'm concerned about rallies," Westchester voter Renee Robinson said. "I just don't feel rallies are good with everything going on." Others said the heightened political tensions would not stop them from showing up in person in November to cast their ballots. "I wouldn't be afraid to go to the polls," voter Barbara Goldman said. "I'm still going to vote no matter what," Westchester voter Michael Hicks said. "I'm not scared. "