Mapping the Threat Environment of Southern California’s Elected Officials

Are threats towards and harassment of public officials a problem? Some characterize the issue as one of free speech; strenuous criticism of local officials is required for democracy to function. Others argue that local elected officials and the media are simply seeking attention or blowing a small problem out of proportion. In other spaces, the case is made that democracy in America is broken, that governance at the local level can no longer function, and that security risks are rampant. Those studying the issue have gathered data that point to more insidious effects, including the disenfranchisement of voters, shifting representation based on intimidation rather than policy preference, silencing officials or causing them to self-censor, and more. Our own research intends to shine a light on this question, both interrogating the level of threats and harassment in San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties in Southern California, and trying to understand the impact on our democracy and local government systems.