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

Divisive rhetoric and repeated lies by Republican nominee Donald Trump, and two failed attempts on his life, have convinced some of his supporters to question the Nov. 5 election’s integrity, stoking fears of political 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 have received $20,000 grants from the Center for Tech and Civic Life — a nonprofit organization 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. She said this will include an increased presence by Greenfield police officers.

“We’re aware of it,” she said of the current 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 will be back to prevent anyone from ramming a vehicle through the doors. This was done during the primary election in September. Scott also said the new security measures will used for all future elections.

Nancy Blackmer, Orange’s town clerk, said the $20,000 grant has been used to upgrade the office computers, monitors, and printer; to purchase equipment to use when processing the vote by mail and in-person early voting ballots; to train an assistant; and to purchase 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.

Blackmer, who has been town clerk since January 2000, has previously said voter turnout varies greatly depending on the election. She said primaries tend to bring in few voters.

“I anticipate November will be much busier,” she said.

Blackmer mentioned Orange received an approximately $5,000 grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life in 2020. Polls will be at 62 Cheney St.

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 repeated lies about widespread voter fraud were the basis for the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump has not promised to accept this election’s results and has made baseless claims of non-citizens and illegal immigrants having the intention to cast ballots.

Trump was wounded after a bullet grazed his ear during an assassination attempt at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, and a man was arrested on Sept. 15 after a Secret Service agent had spotted a rifle poking through a fence at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Montague Town Administrator Walter Ramsay 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 November 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 November 5 election,” he 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.

“If the town clerk feels it’s appropriate with the climate, [then] feel free,” Selectboard member Jacob Bastarache said during the meeting.

Other members said they feel comfortable with the decision and funding is available for the additional staffing.

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