Multi-agency center set up for Election Day

A multi-agency information center for the 2020 election has been established for media with questions about public safety, public health, cybersecurity and other potential election concerns.

The state agencies involved include the Department of Elections, Department of Justice, Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Delaware State Police, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Delaware National Guard, Department of Technology & Information, and Division of Public Health.

DOJ spokesman Mat Marshall said there is no specific threat facing Delaware's election, but the national rhetoric has been over the top.

“Mostly, we're just creating a one-stop media contact because it makes sense given all the moving parts on Election Day,” he said.

Technology problems, emergency response and election administration will also be addressed by the Joint Information Center.

“In order to ensure efficient and accurate communications with the press, the state of Delaware will operate a virtual Joint Information Center to coordinate the flow of information and media requests on Election Day 2020. The JIC will be the principal point of contact for media requests that specifically pertain to Election Day,” read three separate releases sent by the DOJ, DEMA and the Department of Homeland Security and Safety.

In a press conference held Oct. 27, Gov. John Carney said he did not plan to use police at voting polls.

Marshall said voters should know that their rights will be protected when they go to the polls.

“We are expecting a smooth, safe election tomorrow,” he said. “I want to be very clear that no specific issue, public safety threat, etc. prompted this message or any of the state's preparation, but as the AG has stated publicly, our job is to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Elections are sacred and it’s important that we protect them and administer them correctly.”

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3, throughout the Cape Region.