Local officials are taking extra security measures to ensure polling locations remain safe amid the increasingly heated political climate.

Divisive rhetoric and repeated falsehoods by Republican nominee Donald Trump, along with two failed attempts on his life, have led some of his supporters to question the Nov. 5 election’s integrity, stoking fears of violence and intimidation against those exercising their right to vote. Poll workers across the country have reported threats made against them and some local officials are increasing their efforts to keep the democratic process peaceful.

Greenfield and Orange each received $20,000 grants from the Center for Tech and Civic Life — a nonprofit comprised of civic technologists, trainers, researchers, election administration and data experts — to help run secure and efficient elections. Kathy Scott, the city clerk in Greenfield, would not divulge specific details for security purposes, but explained there will be additional measures in place on Nov. 5 and during early voting, which kicked off on Oct. 19. She said this will include an increased presence by Greenfield Police. State law requires each municipality to have at least one officer at the polls.

“We’re aware of it,” she said of the political climate. “But we have our jobs to do.”

Scott said concrete barriers will be installed in front of the polling location at Greenfield High School to prevent anyone from ramming a vehicle through the doors. The barriers were also in place during the primary election in September. The new security measures will be used for all future elections, she said.

Orange Town Clerk Nancy Blackmer said the $20,000 grant awarded to her office has been used to upgrade the computers, monitors and printer; to buy equipment used for processing votes sent by mail and in-person early voting ballots; to train an assistant; and to buy supplies and equipment to be used during in-person early voting as well as on Election Day.

“Until Congress approves regular, ongoing federal funding to help offset the cost of running federal elections, this grant will help make the 2024 elections more reliable and secure for Orange voters so that all voters can trust the election process and be confident their vote is counted,” she said in a statement.

Trump and his running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance, have refused to admit that Trump lost the 2020 presidential election. Trump’s failure to do so and his lies about widespread voter fraud were the basis for the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump has not promised to accept this election’s results and made claims of non-citizens and illegal immigrants having the intention to cast ballots.

Montague Town Administrator Walter Ramsey said he spoke with the town clerk and the police chief about Election Day security and is confident the municipality is ready.

“Montague has a team of seasoned election wardens at each of the six precincts and will have police presence at the polling locations. The town clerk has been preparing for months to ensure a smooth day,” he wrote in an email. “We anticipate that an increase in early voting and mail-in voting will ultimately reduce the amount of voting traffic on Nov. 5, but nonetheless Montague will prepare for a busy day at the polls. Montague has a great reputation for civil discourse and mutual respect when it comes to elections.

“That is the standard we expect from residents going into the Nov. 5 election,” Ramsey continued. “I personally would like to thank the poll workers and folks involved in running the day. It is a largely thankless task that is crucial to our democracy.”

In Erving, the Selectboard voted on Sept. 30 to have an additional police officer at the polls per the request of Town Clerk Richard Newton. Selectboard members said they feel comfortable with the decision and funding is available for the extra staffing.

“If the town clerk feels it’s appropriate with the climate,” Selectboard member Scott Bastarache said at the meeting, then “feel free.”

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120. Erin-Leigh Hoffman contributed to this report.