Election security: Officials say 2024 election saw only 'minor' disruptive activities

Voting hours were extended at a number of polling sites due to technical issues.

ByLuke Barr, Peter Charalambous, Olivia Rubin, Lucien Bruggeman, Laura Romero, Alexandra Hutzler, David Brennan, Patricio Chile, Julia Reinstein, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: November 6, 2024, 12:27 AM EST

From the polling place to the courtroom, ABC News tracks the latest election security developments on Election Day 2024 as experts warn about the spread of misinformation and disinformation from within the U.S. and abroad.

Security experts stress that the nation's voting infrastructure is highly secure, and that isolated voting issues do not indicate widespread election fraud.

For coverage of each race, see our election updates.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing:
Nov 4, 10:33 am

How to watch ABC News coverage of Election Day

On Election Day, voters around the country will eagerly wait to hear if former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris comes out on top in the race for the White House.

ABC News will have full coverage of the presidential election results and many other key down-ballot races on Election Day and the days afterward as votes continue to get counted.

Here's how to watch ABC News live coverage of 2024 election results.

Nov 05, 2024, 4:22 PM EST

Voting hours extended at 2 North Carolina polling places

The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved extending the voting hours at two precincts after both opened late this morning due to technical issues.

The Gardners School precinct in Wilson County and Pilot Mountain Precinct in Burke County will be open for 30 additional minutes.

The extended hours in the two countries will not impact the timing of results for the rest of the state, authorities said.

-ABC News' Peter Charalambous

Nov 05, 2024, 4:05 PM EST

US Capitol Police arrest man with flare gun, torch

The U.S. Capitol Police said they arrested a man who smelled like fuel and had a flare gun and a torch while going through screening at the Capitol's visitor center.

PHOTO: Capitol United State.
STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images

Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger told reporters that officers found a flare gun, lighter, and torch lighter in the man's jacket and two bottles that appeared to contain some sort of accelerant, possibly gasoline.

The suspect had papers he told officers he intended to deliver to Congress. Investigators are working to determine what his intentions were. Capitol Police said they're unclear if he wanted to set himself on fire or his items.

The officers were tipped off because the suspect had "heavier clothing than was warranted for a day like today," Manger said, as afternoon temperatures in D.C. were around 75 degrees.

The visitor center has been closed for tours while police investigate.

-ABC News' Luke Barr

Nov 05, 2024, 3:45 PM EST

Election integrity expert warns about the spread of misinformation

In a closely contested election, even the slightest hint of doubt about whether votes are counted accurately could incite violence and exacerbate political divisions in the U.S.

ABC News' Linsey Davis sat down with Michael Waldman, president of NYU's Brennan Center for Justice, to talk about the unprecedented security of U.S. elections and the threat of misinformation.

Read more here.

Nov 05, 2024, 3:35 PM EST

New York State Assembly candidate arrested for harassing voters

A New York State Assembly candidate was arrested the morning of Election Day at a polling site in Queens.

The Republican candidate, Jonathan David Rinaldi, was issued a summons for harassing voters while shouting "baby killers" and holding a sign reading "Vote Rinaldi."

After he was given numerous commands to stop, police handcuffed him.

-ABC News' Aaron Katersky