Abstract

AbstractState election officials do a tremendous service overseeing and regulating elections in America. But when it comes to defending against cyber threats the work falls to the local election officials—over 8000 nationwide—who mostly control, secure, and run elections. They are on the front lines of this new battlefield. And they are the entities most in need of support and attention from state and federal, public and private partners.

Highlights

  • From my office window I can see The Picasso, a large iron structure, thought to be a woman, by the named sculptor

  • Over the past two years state and local election officials have undergone a tremendous forced maturation process and the cybersecurity of election systems is the top issue in our field

  • Spurred by the need to defend against foreign enemies, federal and state officials have been working successfully to find a good balance of federal involvement in elections, without trampling on authority that the states zealously guard

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Summary

Introduction

From my office window I can see The Picasso, a large iron structure, thought to be a woman, by the named sculptor. I would often contemplate problems while watching children and skateboarders play on this centerpiece of Chicago’s Daley Plaza. It was an inconsequential occurrence in our state because in Illinois each local election authority has its own voter registration system that shares data “up” to the statewide database. Over the past two years state and local election officials have undergone a tremendous forced maturation process and the cybersecurity of election systems is the top issue in our field. By county and city bureaucrats dedicated to a free and fair count. They are greatly outmatched against a persistent foreign threat—and the full strength of state and federal resources has yet to reach them. With effort and support, elections will remain strong and resilient, as impervious to external forces as The Picasso outside my window

Summary
Elections Are Secured Locally
Cook County Efforts
Coordinated Efforts
Illinois Approach
Supporting a Resilient Public
Responsibilities of Policymakers and Funders

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