A Bipartisan Appeal for Safeguarding Election Security
Election Officials Call for Federal Support Amid Funding Cuts
In an unusual display of urgency, a bipartisan group of the nation’s top state election officials has reached out to Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, to express deep concerns about potential cuts to federal programs critical to safeguarding elections. The National Association of Secretaries of State, an organization known for its measured approach, sent a letter to Secretary Noem on Friday, urging her to preserve essential election security initiatives during an upcoming agency review. The letter highlights the importance of maintaining programs that assess the physical security of voting locations, strengthen cybersecurity, share classified intelligence on foreign threats, and respond to cyberattacks such as ransomware incidents. The secretaries emphasized their commitment to protecting the integrity of elections while calling for continuity in these critical resources.
A Rare and Timely Warning from State Officials
The letter, signed by the association’s president, Steve Simon, the Democratic Secretary of State in Minnesota, and Michael Watson, the Republican Secretary of State in Mississippi and president-elect of the group, reflects a shared concern among election officials nationwide. Typically, the National Association of Secretaries of State avoids taking stances that could be perceived as political. However, the growing uncertainty surrounding the federal government’s commitment to election security has compelled them to act. The letter serves as a warning that any reductions in federal support could leave state officials vulnerable to threats, both foreign and domestic, and undermine the public’s trust in the electoral process.
The Programs at Risk: A National Security Imperative
The secretaries singled out several key programs they believe are indispensable to election security. These include initiatives aimed at assessing the physical security of voting locations and election offices, which ensure that polling stations and administrative facilities are protected from potential breaches or sabotage. Cybersecurity measures, such as penetration testing, are also critical. These tests involve federal experts simulating cyberattacks on state election systems to identify vulnerabilities and address them before malicious actors can exploit them. Additionally, the programs facilitate the sharing of classified intelligence on foreign threats, enabling state officials to stay ahead of potential interference. These initiatives were established in response to foreign governments’ attempts to hack U.S. election systems in 2016 and have since become a cornerstone of national security efforts.
The Broader Context: A Troubling Trend of Cuts and Confusion
The letter comes on the heels of concerning developments within the federal government. Recent reporting by The New York Times revealed that the Trump administration has reassigned dozens of officials at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who were working on issues related to foreign interference in U.S. elections. Additionally, several employees at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, were reportedly forced out. These changes have left state election officials feeling both worried and confused about the federal government’s commitment to supporting their efforts. The simultaneous erosion of these critical resources and expertise has raised alarms about the readiness of the electoral system to withstand threats in 2024 and beyond.
A Bipartisan Call to Action: Protecting Democracy Together
The letter reflects a “broad consensus” among secretaries of state from both parties that any cuts to these programs would put election officials at a significant disadvantage. Steve Simon, the Democratic Secretary of State in Minnesota, emphasized that the letter represents a united front. “This is very much a national security issue,” he said, noting that protecting elections is not a partisan matter but a shared responsibility that transcends political divides. The programs in question were created with bipartisan support and have been consistently backed by previous administrations. Their continued operation is seen as essential to safeguarding the integrity of American democracy.
The Human Impact: Threats to Election Officials’ Safety
Beyond the technical and logistical challenges posed by potential cuts, there is also a deeply personal dimension to this issue. Jena Griswold, the Democratic Secretary of State in Colorado, shared her own harrowing experiences with threats to her safety. Over the past four years, her office has received numerous death threats, four of which have resulted in prosecutions, with three cases handled by the FBI. Nearly 20 additional cases were under active investigation recently. Griswold’s story underscores the critical role federal agencies play in protecting election officials and ensuring their ability to perform their duties without fear of retaliation. As she posed in the letter, “Where is that work going? The work to protect election officials?” This question resonates with many of her colleagues, who are increasingly concerned about the consequences of federal disengagement from election security.
In conclusion, the letter from the National Association of Secretaries of State serves as a clarion call for continued federal support for election security programs. At stake is not only the integrity of the electoral process but also the safety and well-being of the officials who work tirelessly to ensure that every American’s voice is heard. As the nation approaches the 2024 elections, the need for a coordinated and sustained effort to safeguard democracy has never been more urgent.