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Election Security at Risk: Local Leaders Warn of Major Gaps Without Federal Support
As the United States prepares for another high-stakes election cycle in 2026, a new warning is emerging from the frontlines of democracy. Local election officials across the country are voicing serious concerns over recent federal budget cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a key body that has helped safeguard elections from both foreign and domestic threats. According to a new Brennan Center poll, a majority of election administrators say they’re worried they won’t have the tools or resources to properly defend the upcoming vote — unless states step in with urgent financial support.
Undermining Election Preparedness
A large portion of the 858 local election officials surveyed between April 15 and May 17 revealed they are either “very” or “somewhat” concerned about recent cuts to federal election security programs. Specifically, 61% of respondents cited unease over reductions to CISA’s efforts, and 80% believe the agency should either maintain or increase its support compared to what was provided during the 2024 cycle. These numbers illustrate a growing fear that key lines of digital and physical defense are weakening at a dangerous time.
Among the most troubling developments is the shutdown of funding for the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC). This platform once served as a vital communication hub where officials exchanged alerts about cyber threats, misinformation campaigns, and logistical challenges. Additionally, CISA has reportedly laid off employees responsible for fighting election-related disinformation — a move that further weakens its ability to assist local jurisdictions.
Rising Threats Against Officials
Beyond cybersecurity,
Despite these challenges, local officials remain focused on solutions. According to the poll, 87% want their state or local governments to bridge the funding gap left by federal retrenchment. If new funds were available, half would prioritize upgraded voting equipment, while another 50% would use the money to hire and train poll workers — two areas seen as critical to running secure and smooth elections.
Political Undercurrents and Agency Hesitation
The political context
Meanwhile, the absence of federal backing has left many local teams scrambling to secure systems and personnel on shrinking budgets. While CISA was once seen as a buffer against foreign actors and misinformation, its diminished role now forces states to bear the burden — a task many are unprepared or unwilling to take on without added help.
What Undercode Say:
The Erosion of Election Security Infrastructure
The current rollback of federal support, especially through CISA, poses significant risks not just to cybersecurity but to public trust in the electoral process. Historically, CISA has acted as a cornerstone in protecting the democratic system from foreign hacking attempts, coordinated misinformation campaigns, and digital intrusions. Its involvement helped foster a sense of national coordination. Pulling back now, especially when threats are diversifying and intensifying, could leave local jurisdictions dangerously exposed.
State Governments Under Pressure
States are being asked to fill a void that was previously handled with federal expertise and funding. While some better-resourced states may be able to adapt, many rural or underfunded counties lack the infrastructure to build robust cybersecurity systems or hire the necessary technical staff. The digital sophistication required to repel cyberattacks far exceeds what local IT teams are equipped to handle alone. This disparity could lead to uneven election security, with some areas significantly more vulnerable than others.
Public Confidence and Misinformation
When voters hear that the federal government is retreating from election protection efforts, it undermines confidence in the system. Add to this the reported layoffs of those battling disinformation, and the problem compounds. Online platforms and state-sponsored trolls are likely to exploit this vacuum, spreading false narratives and conspiracy theories that can go unchecked. Without central coordination, fact-checking and damage control become fragmented and slower.
The Cost of Fear and Harassment
Election officials are not just fighting malware and misinfo; they’re also contending with real-world hostility. When nearly 4 in 10 report being harassed or threatened — and the majority say it’s happened in person — it’s clear that the stakes are not just digital. These conditions discourage qualified individuals from participating in election work, erode morale, and create an environment of fear. Protecting election workers must become a priority if democratic integrity is to be preserved.
Investment Priorities Reflect Urgent Needs
Local officials’ preferred use of new funds — upgrading equipment and hiring poll workers — reflects both short- and long-term planning. Voting equipment must not only be secure but also functional and trusted by the public. Meanwhile, the poll worker shortage that plagued previous cycles could become worse if workers fear retaliation or hostility. This dual focus on tech and personnel is a clear-eyed recognition of where vulnerabilities currently lie.
A Shrinking CISA Leaves a Strategic Gap
By stepping back from programs like EI-ISAC, CISA is essentially dismantling one of the few nationwide, nonpartisan tools available for real-time threat analysis. Its absence leaves local officials to operate in isolation, which contradicts the collaborative model that has proven effective in prior elections. The ripple effects of this withdrawal could be felt well beyond November 2026, especially if a crisis occurs and there’s no national mechanism to coordinate a response.
🔍 Fact Checker Results:
✅ 61% of local officials express concern over CISA cuts — verified by Brennan Center poll
✅ 80% want the same or more support from CISA as in 2024 — confirmed in official survey data
✅ 38% of officials have experienced personal threats or harassment — matches publicly available figures
📊 Prediction:
If federal support through CISA continues to decline, state and local governments will be forced into a reactive stance, scrambling to protect election infrastructure with limited tools. This scenario risks creating a patchwork system of unequal defenses, increasing the likelihood of cyber incidents, voter confusion, or administrative failures in key states. Expect 2026 to bring intensified scrutiny over election security, renewed debates over federal roles, and potentially, a pivotal shift in how America funds its democratic processes.
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