Congress needs to step up to prevent cyber election tampering by China, Iran | Opinion
America’s democratic voting system rests on the promise of free, safe, and secure elections for every citizen.
The foundation of that system is the hard-working election workers across the country who administer elections with integrity.
Following a steady flow of annual, robust funding for election infrastructure, we’ve seen a steep decline in recent years.
The House-approved federal budget skimps on funding to bolster our voting system and thwart external threats — and the timing couldn’t be more precarious.
Thankfully, the Senate has stepped in.
Over the past several years, federal funding for election infrastructure has been consistent, amounting to approximately $400 million annually between 2018 and 2020.
However, in the most recent years, this funding has drastically decreased, with only $55 million allocated in the fiscal year 2024 spending package, and no funding allotted in the FY 2025 House appropriations measure.
However just this week, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced its package, including $75 million in election security grants for states and local governments.
That will mean more than $1 million for Kansas.
It’s incredibly promising to see the downturn of investment reverse course, and we have Senate leaders — including Sen. Jerry Moran — to thank.
Now, it’s time to ensure these funds are maintained in the final appropriations bill.
After all, wildly fluctuating funding levels make it difficult for local election officials to plan annual budgets and manage broader security projects.
As the county clerk and election officer for Harvey County, I would know.
In Harvey and other counties across Kansas, election officials are working diligently to not only prepare for the upcoming presidential election, but also to plan for elections further down the road.
External threats to our elections continue to grow in number and sophistication, threatening to undermine our electoral process.
As threats from foreign countries evolve over the years, so too should our equipment and technology.
Nevertheless, uncertainty surrounding next year’s federal election infrastructure funding prevents us from carrying out broader security initiatives.
If the Senate funds are approved through conference negotiations in the weeks and months to come, local election officers could more effectively confront the ever-evolving threat landscape and successfully update our defense mechanisms to safeguard future elections.
This investment would help refurbish Kansas’ polling sites with updated voting equipment and more secure networks to protect our election systems and voter data from potential interference.
Along with strengthening our mitigation methods, these resources will ensure every polling site has safety equipment, secure ballot storage systems, internet access, and reliable electricity.
Unfortunately, some polling places lack these fundamental resources, rendering our election workers’ jobs even more challenging.
Despite tumultuous circumstances, Kansas’s election employees work tirelessly to ensure all elections are carried out safely and securely.
They deserve better.
The FY 2025 appropriations package presents a vital chance for our lawmakers to enhance the safety and security of future election cycles.
Preserving the $75 million would not only start to meet immediate needs, such as securing up-to-date computer operating systems and providing cyber training for election workers, but also allow us to proactively address emerging threats.
Foreign adversaries such as Iran and China will not press pause on advancing cyber attacks to interfere with American elections, underscoring the urgency of adequate funding.
We cannot wait idly by to witness what would occur if we failed to deliver any funding for our election infrastructure in next year’s appropriations package.
As a nation, we must unite around our democratic principles and ensure our leaders pass adequate funding to preserve our electoral system.