election security
Russia targets Democrats and Ukraine supporters ahead of midterms, top intel lawmakers say
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., described Russian disinformation and more targeted Chinese influence efforts during a press roundtable, while reporting better access under intelligence chief Jay Clayton.
Officials see gaps in election communications as AI makes foreign influence easier
Sources describe weakening cooperation between the federal government and state and industry partners ahead of the midterms, as AI gives foreign operatives cheaper ways to produce and spread deceptive messages.
Renewed CISA support comes too late for midterm prep, some election officials say
Arizona still plans to accept federal help on Election Day, while officials warn that staffing cuts have weakened relationships and left smaller jurisdictions with fewer resources.
CISA pledges election security support after cuts weakened ties with states
A new plan emphasizes threat sharing and coordination ahead of the midterms, but does not explain how those commitments fit with proposed cuts to dedicated election security funding.
Voting machine researchers say federal work abruptly ended after Trump ally pushed back on their findings
Mojave Research executives said at DEF CON that the government had been preparing to expand the company’s election security work, and linked Trump adviser Kurt Olsen to pressure they faced after finding election system vulnerabilities but no evidence votes were altered.
Trump empties out election commission leadership just months before midterms
The shake-up raises questions about voting system certification, federal election security coordination, and the commission’s ability to approve key policy decisions.
Hackers are already laying groundwork to disrupt the 2026 midterms, research says
The report from cybersecurity firm Check Point lands as the Trump administration pushes new voting rules and intelligence officials face questions about how they are handling foreign election threats.
Feds assign two officials to lead intelligence coordination on election threats
For months, it was unclear if ODNI ever named an election threats executive responsible for leading election security efforts in the 2026 midterm cycle.
Senator warns CISA election security pullback could leave midterms vulnerable
Mark Warner, the Senate Intelligence Committee’s top Democrat, pressed DHS over reports that states are no longer receiving the same cybersecurity and protection support ahead of the 2026 elections.
Trump’s goal to create state-by-state citizenship lists isn’t feasible, experts say
A Tuesday executive order mandating that DHS create state-by-state citizenship lists is Trump’s latest effort to exert some control over state-run elections.
Trump signs executive order setting rules for mail-in voting and eligibility lists
The president has long disputed the mail-in voting process since his 2020 election run. The order is very likely to face legal challenges.
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DHS expanding citizenship system for voter verification, despite concerns about potential disenfranchisement
Twenty-six states are in line to use a revamped DHS system to check their voter rolls for non-citizens, although the network has raised concerns about privacy and accuracy — including if it could kick eligible voters off the rolls.
Senators call for election security briefing as major races draw closer
“We are concerned that you may have directed the Intelligence Community (IC) to cease its intelligence reporting on this vital topic,” the senators wrote to the director of national intelligence in a Monday letter.
Democrats push Justice Department to keep Election Threats Task Force amid rollbacks
The task force was created to help protect election officials from stalking and threats, but its future remains in question after the Trump administration scrapped other election integrity initiatives.
Trump’s cuts to federal cybersecurity agency CISA leave election officials worried
The agency partnered with state and local offices and helped combat misinformation. But under Trump, about 130 of its employees have been fired.
How much did AI really impact the election?
AI tools can produce realistic deepfakes and synthetic audio that influence public opinion.
Russian email domains sent uncredible bomb threats to polling places, FBI says
Kremlin-backed actors have a long record of sowing fear and disinformation into the U.S. election process.
In the tightest states, new voting laws could tip the outcome in November
Pandemic protections offer more ballot options. Election lies are driving new restrictions.
A transparent, open-source vision for U.S. elections
Voting technology in the U.S. is secretive and often expensive. Can an open-source alternative take its place?
Feds unveil resource for election officials and workers
The webpage provides free resources for state and local officials as they grapple with fears of possible foreign interference in elections and physical threats linked to conspiracy theories.
Election security threats require more federal resources, officials say
Facing growing cyber and physical threats, state and local election administrators told U.S. senators that more federal assistance is needed to safeguard voting systems and personnel.
