With voting underway in numerous states across the country, U.S. officials have stated that there are no specific or credible threats to Super Tuesday's elections. The Biden administration is actively collaborating with states to closely monitor both cyber and physical threats to the voting process.
There are three primary types of threats that officials are monitoring on Super Tuesday. The first concern revolves around cybersecurity threats, particularly technical attacks on critical infrastructure. Fortunately, the intelligence community and cybersecurity experts have not detected any Russian or Chinese activity that could disrupt the voting process.
The second significant threat is the ongoing disinformation and information operations conducted by countries like Russia, China, and Iran. These efforts aim to undermine confidence in the electoral process and influence public opinion. Recent reports have highlighted instances of foreign groups attempting to sow discord in various countries, including the U.S.
The third and final risk that officials are vigilant about is physical threats directed at election officials. Instances of individuals making threats against officials have been reported, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures.
In a declassified intelligence assessment from December of last year, it was revealed that foreign government efforts to target the upcoming 2024 general election have increased compared to previous elections. Countries like Russia, China, and Iran are among those identified as potential meddlers in U.S. politics.
While the stakes are higher in presidential election years, the playbook for election interference established since 2016 appears to be evolving. Foreign actors are adapting their tactics, with some attempting to imitate domestic groups to influence voters.
Despite these concerns, current observations suggest that the 2024 election cycle is proceeding without significant threats thus far. The monitoring efforts and collaboration between federal and state authorities have contributed to a relatively smooth voting process on Super Tuesday.
