Concerns Over Federal Cuts to Election Security in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania administration is evaluating President Donald Trump’s executive order on elections, particularly its implications for voting rights and election security amid concerns about cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Secretary Al Schmidt highlighted the necessity of federal assistance in managing election-related threats, while experts discuss ongoing cyber risks from foreign adversaries. The potential legal and operational consequences are currently under review.

The Pennsylvania administration, under Governor Josh Shapiro, is currently evaluating an executive order by President Donald Trump that impacts U.S. elections. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt emphasized the importance of protecting voting rights while reviewing provisions such as citizenship documentation requirements for voter registration. Schmidt’s team is also analyzing potential effects of the order, which may lead to litigation as it cannot override existing federal and state election laws.

Trump’s recent executive order mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration, echoing his campaign stance on combating non-citizen voting. This order is linked to the Republican-led initiative to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which aims to enforce the order’s requirements and threatens funding reductions for noncompliance. It also instructs the Election Assistance Commission to demand citizenship verification for voter registration.

During a recent press briefing, Schmidt expressed concern over cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) program, which plays a critical role in safeguarding election security. He indicated that without CISA’s essential resources, the capabilities of state and county election officials would be severely impaired, potentially compromising election security.

Schmidt highlighted the significance of cooperation between federal, state, and local entities in addressing election threats, specifically referring to incidents of bomb threats and disinformation campaigns during past elections. He noted how CISA’s swift action in debunking fraudulent election-related videos helped maintain public confidence in the electoral process.

Suzanne Spaulding, a former under secretary for cybersecurity at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, reinforced the critical nature of election infrastructure, emphasizing its designation as critical infrastructure since 2017. She noted that the election security initiative gained urgency following heightened cyber espionage activities during the 2016 presidential elections.

Despite past skepticism from state officials regarding federal involvement in elections, there has been an effort to foster trust, enabling CISA to provide essential assistance in election security. Spaulding expressed concern that the valuable work being conducted at CISA appears to have stagnated, with staff placed on administrative leave and funding cut.

Deborah McCarthy, a former U.S. ambassador, discussed the ongoing threats from countries like Russia, Iran, and China in the context of cyber security and election interference. McCarthy underscored the gravity of how these nations are leveraging social media manipulation and cyber intrusion to influence electoral outcomes.

In response to inquiries about the rationale behind the Trump administration’s reduction of election security funding, Schmidt suggested that misperceptions regarding election administrators have contributed to these cuts. He emphasized that election administration is not politicized in Pennsylvania and remains committed to impartiality in the election process.

In conclusion, the recent actions taken by the Trump administration regarding election security raise significant concerns among Pennsylvania officials about the potential impact on voting integrity. The importance of federal support through CISA has been underscored following incidents of cyber threats and disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining public confidence in elections. As discussions continue regarding the implications of the executive order, the focus on safeguarding electoral processes remains paramount, emphasizing the need for collaboration across federal and state levels.

Original Source: levittownnow.com