In brief
Since its establishment in 2018, CISA has provided essential cybersecurity assistance to election officials. However, recent staffing cuts and a lack of engagement in the 2024 elections raise concerns about the agency's effectiveness leading into the pivotal 2026 midterms. Officials are scrambling for alternatives to support election security in light of these changes.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Since 2018, the federal government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned local election officials about threats from foreign nations, demonstrated security measures for polling locations, and rehearsed responses to potential crises such as bomb threats or disinformation campaigns on election day.
However, the agency's presence has diminished in recent elections, raising alarms for the upcoming 2026 midterms. Changes in priorities under the Trump administration, along with staff reductions and budget constraints, have left election officials anxious about CISA's future involvement in securing election processes when control of Congress hangs in the balance.
“As we gear up for a significant election year in 2026, the reliability of CISA’s services is uncertain,” stated Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, who recently stepped down as head of the bipartisan National Association of Secretaries of State.
The association's leaders reached out to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem earlier this year, pressing her to uphold CISA's core election functions, yet they have yet to receive a response.
An Agency in Flux
CISA was founded to fortify the nation's vital infrastructure, but recent staffing cuts—reportedly around 1,000—alongside budget reductions, have significantly impacted its operational capabilities. Notably, a $10 million reduction affecting election-related initiatives caused concern among local election offices.
CISA currently operates without an official director while a nomination in the Senate remains stalled. Officials from CISA did not respond to specific inquiries regarding their participation in recent election security efforts.
“We understand CISA aims to help secure critical infrastructure, and our preparedness is ongoing,” stated Marci McCarthy, CISA’s director of public affairs.
States Left to Their Own Devices
In the absence of CISA’s support, California’s election security agencies reported a significant lack of assistance in recent elections. Many officials have commented on the diminished collaboration with the agency, which previously offered valuable resources for election security.
Mississippi's Secretary of State acknowledged CISA's absence, indicating a trend among several states during their recent electoral processes. Local jurisdictions, like Pennsylvania, are increasingly relying on their own resources and partners to secure elections.
Seeking New Solutions
As uncertainty looms over CISA's role, state and local election officials are striving to find alternatives to fill the void left by the agency. Some, such as testing election equipment against external penetration, may not have substitutes outside the federal realm.
Simon expressed that without clarity on CISA’s future actions, preparations for the upcoming elections need to incorporate other avenues for security arrangements.
