Pennsylvania: Turnover has plagued local election offices since 2020. Luzerne County is trying to recover | Christina A. Cassidy/Associated Press

The 2022 midterm elections in Pennsylvania’s Luzerne County were marred by an administrative oversight: a paper shortage at polling places due to a wrong order made years ago. This incident underscores the larger issue of a national crisis caused by an exodus of local election directors and staff following the 2020 presidential election, leading to institutional knowledge gaps and inexperience in crucial roles. This wave of retirements and resignations has created a vacuum, where even minor mistakes related to voting or ballot counting can be exploited by conspiracy theorists. In Luzerne County, the turnover has contributed to ongoing problems and increased voter doubt about elections, especially after persistent falsehoods regarding the 2020 presidential contest. The situation reflects a precarious spot for election integrity nationwide, with increased pressure on election officials and the need for effective training and support systems. Read Article

National: Russia working to undermine trust in elections globally, US intelligence says | AFP/The Guardian

According to a US intelligence report shared with around 100 countries, Russia is using its spy network, state-controlled media, and social media to erode public trust in elections worldwide. The report highlights that Russia conducted a concerted effort between 2020 and 2022 to undermine public confidence in at least 11 elections across nine democracies, including the United States. An additional 17 democracies were targeted through subtler methods involving Russian messaging and social media activity. The report asserts that Russia’s objective is to sow instability within democratic societies and depict democratic elections as dysfunctional, resulting in illegitimate governments. The US recognizes its own vulnerability to this threat, particularly evidenced in attempts to undermine confidence in the 2020 US election and Covid-19 pandemic response. Read Article