Macomb County Prosecutor and County Clerk host second Election Security Training for law enforcement and election officials

Mount Clemens, MI – In a continued effort to safeguard the election process, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido and Macomb County Clerk Anthony G. Forlini, in partnership with the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE), hosted a second election security training workshop on April 9, 2026, at Velocity in Sterling Heights, MI.

The training focused on increasing awareness, strengthening coordination, and enhancing preparedness to help ensure elections are conducted safely and securely.

Prosecutor Lucido and Clerk Forlini welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of collaboration across agencies and jurisdictions.

Featured speakers and participants included:

• Tina Barton, CSSE Co-Chair and Vice President of Ready for Tuesday 
• Kawika Lau, U.S. Army (Ret.) and federal law enforcement (Ret.), keynote speaker and facilitator 
• Harold Love, Michigan State Police (Ret.) and licensed professional counselor 
• Ben Hess, Lieutenant, Larimer County (CO) Sheriff’s Office (Ret.) 

The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE), composed of cross-partisan leaders, played a central role in the training. The organization works to protect election workers and voters by strengthening partnerships between election offices and law enforcement agencies, underscoring the importance of coordination in preserving the integrity of the electoral system.

Building on the success of the inaugural 2024 training, which marked the first joint meeting of all police agencies and election officials in Macomb County, this workshop further strengthened coordination ahead of future elections.

Exercises addressed emerging threats to election safety, including drone disruptions at polling places, evolving risks related to artificial intelligence, and the nationwide rise in bomb threats during the 2024 election cycle. The training also covered swatting incidents, polling place disturbances, protests at government buildings, ballot box intimidation, and tensions between challengers and election officials that can escalate into confrontations.

Additional discussion focused on open carry demonstrations near polling sites and their potential impact on voter turnout and public perception of safety.

Prosecutor Lucido stated, “Preparedness is our strongest safeguard. Today’s training strengthens our collective ability to protect voters and uphold the law. My office remains committed to enforcing election laws and protecting voters from intimidation or interference.”

Clerk Forlini added, “Election integrity depends on strong partnerships and preparedness at every level of government. This collaborative training helps ensure both access and security, supporting elections that are conducted smoothly and with public confidence.”

Ongoing training and preparation remain essential to achieving election security goals. The policies and practices reviewed during this workshop support local officials in maintaining safe, secure, and accessible voting environments.

Together, Macomb County officials and their partners reaffirmed a shared commitment to maintaining elections that are secure, accessible, and free from interference, upholding a core responsibility of democratic governance.

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