States take steps to secure vote after federal pullback
Summary
State election officials are taking on more responsibility for securing the 2026 midterms after the Trump administration reduced federal election-security staffing, services, and funding. States are relying on local agencies, private firms, and networks of election officials to prepare for cyberattacks and other disruptions, while CISA says it will offer some services when requested.Key Facts
- CISA cut election-security personnel and services in 2025.
- Federal funding for the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center ended in 2025.
- Election officials are preparing for cyberattacks, AI-generated disinformation, physical threats, logistical disruptions, and legal challenges.
- The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors help states share threat information and connect with experts.
- Arizona has gone without a dedicated CISA cybersecurity adviser since March 2025, according to the state's chief information security officer.
- Arizona's homeland security department has provided security tools and monitoring services to smaller counties.
- Arizona plans to coordinate on Election Day with its state cybersecurity team, the National Guard, the FBI, and a CISA Region 9 representative.
- CISA says it will provide no-cost voluntary services, including vulnerability scanning and technical expertise, when state and local officials request them.
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