Department Statement Regarding Election Security

OC Sheriff remains dedicated to security of election process and election workers.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department (OC Sheriff) works with the Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV) throughout the election season to protect ballot collection sites, escort workers with collected ballots and maintain security at the ROV office. OC Sheriff retains a 24/7 uniformed presence at the ROV from election night until the vote is certified on December 3.

On Friday, November 8, 2024, the ROV received a bomb threat emailed to a generic email address. The ROV and OC Sheriff determined that an evacuation of the entire building was the most prudent for the safety of all present. The evacuation occurred at 6:45 p.m., just 15 minutes prior to the regular 7 p.m. end time for vote counting. OC Sheriff requested that observers and ROV staff were evacuated to different locations on the ROV campus. The OC Sheriff Hazardous Devices Section (HDS) responded and conducted a thorough sweep of the building, and found no evidence of an incendiary device. Immediately following the evacuation, the ballots remained secure by Sheriff's deputies who were present to guard the building and ballots throughout the evening until ballot counters and observers arrived the following day.

An investigation into the origin of the bomb threat is underway by OC Sheriff's North Investigations unit. Preliminary information indicates the email came from a server overseas. At this time, it is believed that many other counties were subject to the same threat at the same time, and any information obtained regarding the origin of the threat will be shared with local and federal authorities.

In order to ensure the safety and security of the election process and election workers, OC Sheriff HDS will conduct additional random sweeps of the ROV building. We will also maintain a 24/7 presence at the ROV office, working closely with ROV staff until the election is certified.