Amid widespread concerns about external interference in the upcoming presidential election, the head of the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has stated that election infrastructure is more secure than ever. Jen Easterly, director of CISA, mentioned in an interview with Weekend Edition that state and local election officials nationwide have made significant improvements in both physical and cybersecurity at polling and voting locations to uphold election integrity.
Following attempts by Russia to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election, CISA was established to collaborate with state and local authorities to ensure voting machines are not susceptible to hacking. Easterly expressed confidence, noting that due to collaborative efforts since 2016, election infrastructure is at its most secure state. She acknowledged ongoing cyber and physical threats but affirmed that the election community is prepared for the forthcoming election on November 5.
Despite Easterly’s reassurances, intelligence officials have warned that foreign entities, particularly Russia, Iran, and China, are intensifying efforts to undermine trust in the democratic process, sway voters, and exacerbate partisan divides. Recent polling indicates many Americans are concerned about voter fraud due to misinformation, particularly among Republicans influenced by former President Donald Trump’s false allegations of widespread vote rigging in the 2020 election.
While significant voter fraud is rare, multiple audits and investigations have verified the integrity of the previous election results. Even so, election officials are engaged in debunking conspiracy theories about voter fraud. Many election administrators have faced death threats amid declining public trust in their work.
Easterly pointed out that propagating false claims about election fraud aids adversaries by fostering mistrust and encouraging threats of violence, thereby doing a disservice to election officials. The federal agency has collaborated with local authorities to enhance security at election sites with measures such as panic buttons and bulletproof glass.
Easterly emphasized the importance of patience from Americans as they await the official results of the November 5 election. She indicated that the election might be closely contested, requiring time to fully count, audit, and certify the votes. During this period of uncertainty, foreign adversaries may attempt to disrupt public confidence in the electoral process.
The interview was produced and edited for broadcast by Martin Patience and Shannon Rhoades.
