State Election Officials Seek Federal Funding For Security

FILE - Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson, right, recites his oath of office given to him by Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Randolph, left, Jan. 4, 2024, in the Mississippi

As election season kicks off, state election officials are voicing concerns over the lack of federal funding to bolster election security measures. The absence of allocated federal money has left officials grappling with the challenges of safeguarding systems from cyberattacks, updating equipment, and training staff.

Since the 2016 election, Congress has allocated $995 million to states for election administration and security needs. This funding has been crucial in enhancing cybersecurity defenses, replacing voting machines, and adding cybersecurity staff. However, most of this funding was allocated before the 2020 election and has since been depleted.

With the latest chunk of $75 million approved in December 2022, state allocations have varied, with some states receiving as little as $1 million. The ongoing federal budget negotiations have been marred by partisan disputes, with uncertainty looming over whether new funding for elections will be approved.

State election officials have been forced to make tough decisions due to the shortfall in funding. Some states, like North Carolina, have had to reduce cybersecurity staff and cut back in other areas to meet security needs. The National Association of Secretaries of State has called on Congress to provide sufficient funding to address cybersecurity threats.

$995 million allocated by Congress for election administration and security since 2016.

State officials concerned about insufficient federal funding for election security measures.

Recent $75 million federal funding allocation with varying state amounts.

Partisan disputes in federal budget negotiations affecting new election funding approval.

While some officials, like West Virginia's Secretary of State, are wary of federal funding due to perceived strings attached, others, like Mississippi's Secretary of State, are open to federal assistance if it allows flexibility in spending.

Former Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman emphasized the need for a substantial federal investment in elections, drawing parallels to the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Election officials across various states have utilized federal funding to enhance technology support, training, and election security programs.

Amidst the funding uncertainty, election officials stress the importance of sustainable programs that can be maintained in the long term. They emphasize the need for federal partnership to address cybersecurity threats and fill funding gaps to ensure the integrity of elections.