Local election officials start looking to states after Trump cuts
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Most local election officials say they need more funding and help from state governments to offset the Trump administration's cuts to the country's top cybersecurity agency, according to a new Brennan Center poll released Thursday.
Why it matters: Preparations for the midterm elections are already underway, and without proper funding, local officials could lack the tools needed to fend off a growing list of physical and digital threats to elections.
By the numbers: Most of the 858 election officials surveyed said they're either very or somewhat concerned about federal cuts to election security programs.
- 61% also said they are specifically concerned about cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's election security offerings.
- 80% said that CISA should either provide the same or more support to election officials in upcoming votes as in the 2024 cycle.
- The Brennan Center, a policy and law institute based out of NYU's law school, surveyed these local officials via an online survey between April 15 and May 17.
The big picture: In the second Trump administration, CISA has started to pull back on some of its election security work.
- The agency is no longer funding the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing Analysis Center, where members shared details about the threats they were facing and coordinated responses.
- CISA also laid off employees focused on combating election-related disinformation, and lawmakers say they've heard complaints that remaining CISA officials are afraid to engage with local officials.
Threat level: 38% of local officials say they have experienced threats, harassment or abuse because of their roles.
- Of those who have been threatened, 63% were threatened in person, typically in their workplaces.
Between the lines: 87% say it's either very or somewhat important that their state or local government fill the gap left by federal cuts.
- 50% of officials said they'd use any new funds to invest in voting equipment. Another 50% said they would also invest in hiring poll workers.
