Election Guardians Besieged: A Bipartisan Cry for Help
A chorus of top state election officials has broken their usual reserve with a fervent plea to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Gripped by alarm, they beseech her to preserve vital election safeguards amid ominous threats.
In a rare and urgent letter, the National Association of Secretaries of State implores Noem to shield critical programs that protect our electoral integrity. These programs include physical security assessments, cybersecurity reinforcement, intelligence sharing on foreign threats, and response mechanisms for cyberattacks.
Their letter echoes concerns sparked by the Trump administration’s recent shakeups at the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Officials fear these moves could compromise their safety and the integrity of upcoming elections.
“We urge the preservation of core resources,” the letter states, expressing both concern and a desire for dialogue before any final decisions are made.
“These programs were established in response to real threats from foreign actors,” says Steve Simon, the association’s Democratic president. “Cuts could gravely hinder our ability to protect our elections.”
The personal risks faced by election officials escalate these concerns. Jena Griswold, a Democratic secretary of state in Colorado, recounts the numerous death threats she has received and the F.B.I.’s assistance in prosecuting her attackers.
“Where will this work go now? Who will protect election officials?” she asks, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of potential cutbacks.
The bipartisan nature of this plea underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation. Election officials across the political spectrum stand united in their call for the nation to prioritize the integrity of our democratic process.
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