Castor Dentel recalled that in the 2024 election “there were bomb threats in some states.” She said while Orange County didn’t receive any, they were prepared if they had.
“We look at different kinds of scenarios, and we prepare for a response and make sure that we have a safety plan and that our elections continue,” she said.
Castor Dentel added that some voters may be unnerved by Bannon’s words, but others may see them as a challenge.
“There are others who may hear those remarks and actually be more motivated to make sure their voices are heard when they’re told they can’t do something," she said.
Meanwhile, Castor Dentel made a push for mail voting as a way to sidestep going to the polls altogether. Voters “can renew their vote-by-mail ballot request and I would encourage them to do that.”
The deadline to request a mail ballot for the March 10 municipal election in Apopka is 5 pm, February 26. Mail ballot requests made now will remain active through the next presidential election in 2028. There are several ways to get a mail ballot: Call the supervisor of elections office at 407-836-VOTE (8683). Fill out the form on the site. Download a vote-by-mail request form in English or Spanish, then send it back by regular mail (P.O. Box 562001, Orlando, FL 32856-2001).
Key Points:
- Dentel says Orange County is enhancing internal security and monitoring threats tied to election misinformation or intimidation.
- Bannon suggested ICE agents would “surround the polls,” prompting concerns from voting rights advocates.
- Legal experts note that federal officers who interfere with elections or intimidate voters commit a federal crime.
- The elections office has contingency plans based on past national threats, including bomb scares in other states.
- Vote-by-mail remains available, with requests active through the next presidential cycle.
AUTHOR BIO: Norine Dworkin is editor in chief of VoxPopuli, the independent voice for West Orange County news. She is the recipient of the Society of Professional Journalists' 2024 Sunshine State Award for General Commentary and Criticism.
