Upholding Election Integrity: Insights from the Midwest Election Security Summit
OMAHA, Neb. — In a world where the integrity of elections is under constant scrutiny, a recent summit held in Omaha, Nebraska, brought together key figures in election security to discuss the vital role they play in safeguarding democracy. Four secretaries of state from the Midwest—Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota—along with the director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), convened to share insights and strategies ahead of the upcoming November 5 election.
A Dynamic Approach to Election Security
Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen opened the summit with a straightforward question: “Why not?” His inquiry encapsulated the spirit of collaboration among the Midwest states—Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota—demonstrating that elections can be conducted safely and securely. Evnen emphasized that “election security is not static,” highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and adaptability in the face of evolving threats.
“Election security is dynamic,” he stated, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to address the challenges that arise in the electoral process. This sentiment resonated throughout the summit, as officials recognized that maintaining public confidence in elections is paramount.
The Imperative of Election Confidence
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, who has witnessed the evolution of elections over the past two decades, echoed Evnen’s sentiments. He stressed the necessity of ensuring that Americans have confidence in election results. “If they don’t believe that that’s their governor or their senator or their president, our Republic has fallen without a single bullet being fired,” Pate warned. His remarks underscored the critical nature of trust in the electoral process, which is essential for the functioning of democracy.
CISA Director Jen Easterly reinforced this message, expressing her confidence in the integrity of U.S. elections. Established in 2018 in response to foreign interference in the 2016 presidential election, CISA plays a crucial role in supporting state and local election officials. Easterly assured attendees that while disruptions may occur, they will not compromise the integrity of how votes are cast and counted.
Comprehensive Security Protocols and Training
The summit highlighted the collaborative efforts between state officials and CISA to bolster election security. Easterly outlined the agency’s support for state and local election officials in preparing for potential threats, including ransomware and physical attacks. CISA provides security assessments, scenario training, and guidance on de-escalation techniques to ensure the safety of election workers.
In Nebraska, Evnen detailed specific initiatives undertaken in partnership with CISA, such as conducting weekly scans of all county election websites for vulnerabilities and implementing security protocols for local officials. These measures are part of a broader strategy to protect the cyber infrastructure critical to the electoral process.
Elections as a Collective Responsibility
The secretaries of state emphasized that their roles transcend party lines; they serve all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft likened election officials to referees in a game—often unnoticed but essential to the process. He invited citizens to engage in the electoral process, whether by serving as poll workers or simply asking questions about the voting process.
“We run elections for the people of the states,” Ashcroft stated, reinforcing the idea that elections are a fundamental aspect of democracy. He emphasized that, regardless of the outcome, every citizen should feel that their vote counts and contributes to the collective decision-making of the Republic.
The Importance of Timely Results
While the secretaries acknowledged that official results may take time to finalize—often up to a week after Election Day due to the need for checks and balances—they assured the public that most results are typically available within hours of polls closing. This balance between speed and accuracy is crucial to maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson expressed concerns about the period between polls closing and results being finalized, noting that officials are actively preparing for potential disruptions during this time. Collaborative efforts with public safety teams aim to ensure a smooth transition post-election.
Research and Threat Assessment
The National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center (NCITE) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which hosted the summit, is conducting research on threats to election workers and the impact of emerging technologies. Director Gina Ligon highlighted the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of threats, particularly in swing states where election officials have faced increased scrutiny and potential violence.
A Call to Action
As the summit concluded, Easterly emphasized the collective responsibility of all Americans in protecting democracy. With no specific threats identified for the upcoming election, she reminded attendees that vigilance is essential. The period between Election Day and the presidential inauguration will be critical, as foreign adversaries may attempt to sow discord and undermine public confidence.
“It’s up to all of us as Americans—these elections are for us,” Easterly declared, urging citizens to remain engaged and proactive in safeguarding the democratic process.
In a time when the integrity of elections is paramount, the collaborative efforts of state officials and federal agencies serve as a reassuring reminder that democracy is a shared responsibility, one that requires vigilance, trust, and active participation from all citizens. As the November 5 election approaches, the commitment to upholding election integrity remains stronger than ever.