Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore is preparing for an upcoming meeting with federal agencies regarding electoral preparations, prompted by recent comments from former President Donald Trump. Amore and his counterparts from across the United States received an invitation to discuss election readiness with representatives from the FBI, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) on February 25, 2024.
Amore described such meetings as routine during election cycles, but he acknowledges the current atmosphere is not typical. His optimism stands in contrast to some officials who remain skeptical of the federal government’s influence over state-run elections. He expressed hope that the online meeting could yield valuable insights and resources for the upcoming midterm elections.
In a statement to The Journal on February 9, Amore echoed sentiments expressed by Tobias Read, the Democratic Secretary of State of Oregon. Read remarked, “I don’t think we can put anything past this administration… They’re increasingly desperate, increasingly scared about what’s going to happen when they are held accountable by American voters.” Amore’s agreement highlights a growing concern among state officials regarding the implications of Trump’s recent call to “nationalize” elections.
The invitation for the call, sent by Kellie M. Hardiman, the FBI Election Executive, emphasized the importance of collaboration ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. In her email, Hardiman stated, “Your election partners at the FBI, DOJ, DHS, USPIS, and the Election Assistance Commission would like to invite you to a call where we can discuss our preparations for the cycle, as well as updates and resources we can provide to you and your staff.”
Amore confirmed that his Deputy Secretary of State, Rob Rock, will attend the meeting. “We have had meetings with all of these entities leading up to elections in the past, so we’re going to listen,” he said. He further emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “If any of the things that concern us are presented in this meeting, we’re going to push back hard or even leave the meeting if the conversation becomes untenable from our perspective.”
State and local election officials have expressed apprehension about the federal government’s involvement in election management. Concerns have heightened since Trump signed an executive order in 2023, attempting to impose requirements for voters to prove their citizenship in federal elections. Amore remarked on the constitutional implications of such actions, stating, “It’s unconstitutional first and foremost.” He noted the founders of the United States intentionally designed a decentralized election system to prevent any single executive from exerting undue influence.
On the topic of armed federal agents at polling locations, Amore reaffirmed that federal law prohibits such presence. “The federal law is extraordinarily clear on that; armed agents of the federal government or military are not to be around polling locations,” he said, referencing over a century of legal precedent.
Amore also addressed the contentious issue of citizenship verification for voters. While he supports Rhode Island’s current Voter ID law, he criticized the pending federal proposal for creating a distinct class of voters, particularly disadvantaging married women who may face discrepancies between their birth certificates and identification. He stated, “If you have to prove that citizenship each and every time… that is going to present a burden for women voters that no other voter will face.”
As the meeting approaches, the discussion surrounding election integrity and the balance of power between state and federal authorities continues to unfold. Amore’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to safeguarding the electoral process in Rhode Island while navigating the complexities of federal engagement.
