Election Security
Election security center reports limited threats as voting glitches fuel fraud claims
A bomb threat briefly forced voting outdoors at an Ohio polling place. In New York and Florida, equipment problems prompted unfounded claims that Democrats were interfering with the vote.
Tech companies brace for AI-driven election misinformation
As more Americans turn to the advanced technology for information, companies are under pressure to protect election integrity.
DHS secretary plans post-election security review
Markwayne Mullin told CISA employees he wants to assess election systems after the vote, as the agency faces scrutiny over cuts to its support for states.
FEC takes down electronic filing platform after attempted hack
The commission holds no role in administering U.S. elections, meaning any impacts to its systems will not affect voting in the upcoming midterms.
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.
Democrats warn tech firms of election security ‘backsliding’ ahead of midterms
Senior intelligence and election oversight lawmakers want social media companies and AI developers to strengthen safeguards against false voting information, foreign influence campaigns and deceptive AI content.
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.
Hegseth orders cyber, intelligence agencies to prioritize election defense
The directive comes as the administration has dismantled or reorganized offices that tracked foreign influence and reduced civilian election security support.
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.
Counties and cities sue over counterterrorism grant rule changes
The four local governments said the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to tie the grants to election security measures were unconstitutional, as states run elections, not the feds.
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 stretches declassified China intelligence into broader 2020 election claims
The records provide new details about Chinese intelligence collection on voters and internal analytic debates, but do not undercut longstanding findings on the 2020 election.
Trump’s intelligence pick pressed on 2020 election, defends handling of New York Times subpoenas
Jay Clayton faced Democratic criticism after repeatedly declining to say Joe Biden won in 2020 and standing by subpoenas issued by his Manhattan prosecutor’s office to four New York Times journalists.
Feds tie counterterrorism grants to election security measures
The new guidance from FEMA would require states to take various steps on elections before receiving funds. Government groups criticized the move as an overreach.
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.
ODNI assigns 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.
Federal drawdown of election support ‘destroyed’ ongoing relationships, experts say
A House hearing highlighted warnings from state officials and other experts who say the Trump administration’s dismantling of CISA’s election work damages trust and coordination before the 2026 midterms.
