National

A new report published by Verified Voting examines misguided proposals to eliminate all vote counting machines and move to hand counting all ballots on election night that would have far reaching implications for our trust in our elections. Elections are a combination of people, processes, and technology. Human oversight of election processes is integral to ensuring that voting technology works correctly and that votes are counted as cast. “Hand to eye” examination of ballots in audits and recounts are quality control checks that carefully and transparently assess that voting technology got the election outcome right—or correct the outcome if it did not—and give voters justified confidence in election outcomes. But that best practice does not translate to humans hand counting millions of votes on election night. The paper examines the risks of full election night hand counts, explains when hand counts should be used, and emphasizes why common-sense best practices that employ voting machines and post-election audits make our election outcomes verifiable and resilient. Read Report

National: In face of threats, election workers say: ‘You are not disrupting the democratic process’ | Matt Vasilogambros/Stateline

Local election workers across the nation are facing increased threats and intimidation, with lies about rigged elections and the 2020 presidential outcome fueling conspiracy theories. In response to these ongoing threats, state lawmakers in several states, including Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, have enacted new protections for election workers and increased penalties for those who harass or threaten them. However, the exodus of election officials due to safety concerns raises concerns about the potential for errors and increased vulnerability to conspiracy theories. Read Article

National: Ballot shortages are rare in U.S. elections, but here’s why they sometimes happen | Ashley Lopez/NPR

Ballot shortages at some polling locations in Mississippi, along with instances in Ohio and Texas, underscore the challenge election officials face in determining the number of ballots needed. In Mississippi, a surge in voter turnout caught officials unprepared, resulting in shortages, long lines, and some individuals walking away. Determining how many ballots to print is described as an “inexact science,” involving estimates based on past turnout. The costs of mistakes can be high, with states like Mississippi having laws about the minimum number of ballots to print, leading to potential waste. The absence of early voting or no-excuse absentee voting in some states complicates the task, emphasizing the importance of accurate planning to safeguard election integrity. Read Article

National: How election officials are planning to avoid a repeat of 2020’s slow vote count | Zach Montellaro/Politico

In preparation for the 2024 elections, several battleground states in the United States are taking measures to speed up the counting of votes to avoid the prolonged uncertainty experienced in 2020. New laws and procedures aim to facilitate quicker counting and processing, minimizing the time between polls closing and unofficial results being announced. States are allowing more pre-processing of mail ballots before Election Day, enhancing efficiency and expediting the release of results. While some states have made significant changes to improve the speed of ballot counting, others, such as Pennsylvania, still face challenges and partisan disputes. The goal is to reduce the period of uncertainty, limiting the potential for misinformation and false claims about the election outcome. Read Article

National: Federal government stops helping Big Tech spot foreign meddling amid GOP legal threats | Naomi Nix and Cat Zakrzewski/The Washington Post

The U.S. government has ceased notifying social networks, including Meta, about foreign disinformation campaigns on their platforms, disrupting a longstanding practice aimed at preventing interference in American politics. This change, attributed to a conservative legal campaign challenging initiatives established after the 2016 election, involves a reduction in communications about global influence campaigns. The shift is linked to a July ruling limiting the Biden administration’s communications with tech platforms in response to a lawsuit, Missouri v. Biden, which alleges that coordination violates the First Amendment. The legal uncertainty is causing foreign policy officials to hesitate in their communications with tech companies. Read Article

National: Ahead of 2024 election, Meta worries about lack of information on top-tier nation-state covert operations | AJ Vicens/CyberScoop

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has warned that foreign governments, particularly Russia, Iran and China, are likely to continue running inauthentic messaging campaigns via fake social media accounts leading up to elections worldwide in 2024. In a new report, Meta officials expressed concern that the U.S. government has stopped proactively sharing information with the company and other social networking platforms, which has been a crucial source of information about major, nation-state influence operations in the past. Meta’s report also highlighted its efforts to combat inauthentic accounts and campaigns, pointing out that it had identified and neutralized three covert influence campaigns in the third quarter, two from China and one from Russia. Read Article

National: Misinformation, cybersecurity among top issues ahead of 2024 elections | Chris Teale/Route Fifty

As the U.S. prepares for the 2024 elections, state and local officials are on alert for potential threats posed by cyberattacks and artificial intelligence (AI) in the wake of incidents during the 2022 midterms. The Mississippi Secretary of State’s website experienced a denial-of-service attack, and AI-generated content, including deepfakes, has become a concern. Efforts to regulate AI in political advertisements are underway, with lawmakers introducing legislation to require disclosures. The Department of Homeland Security expects cybercriminals to exploit networks and data used by political parties and election officials, emphasizing the need for increased cybersecurity funding for state and local governments. The public’s concerns about disinformation, deepfakes, and AI are reflected in surveys, with calls for action to protect voters and regulate AI-generated content. State and local officials are encouraged to enhance cybersecurity practices and training to mitigate potential threats. Read Article

National: Election officials fear 2024 threats are escalating after series of suspicious envelopes | Zach Montellaro/Politico

Election officials across the United States are on high alert after receiving suspicious letters containing what the FBI says may be fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. Offices in at least five states—California, Georgia, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington—received these letters, raising concerns among election workers already facing threats and harassment since the 2020 elections. The FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service issued a briefing document, describing the letters as a potential domestic terrorist event. The envelopes, appearing ordinary, had “Attn Ballots” typed on the front. Election officials fear that the threats, fueled by conspiracy theories, will escalate as the 2024 presidential election approaches. The letters have already caused disruptions in some areas, with delays in ballot counting reported in Washington state. Election officials are working to ensure the safety of their workers and to intercept any additional letters. Read Article

National: How the ‘Big Lie’ Was Born Inside Fox News | Brian Stelter/Politico

In the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, media mogul Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox News, urged then-President Donald Trump to accept defeat. In an editorial titled “President Trump, your legacy is secure — stop the ‘stolen election’ rhetoric,” published in the New York Post, Murdoch and his son Lachlan advised Trump on handling the loss with dignity and urged him to abandon baseless conspiracy theories. However, Fox News host Maria Bartiromo defied this guidance during her show, “Sunday Morning Futures,” by featuring guest Sidney Powell, who propagated unfounded claims of a coordinated effort to steal the election. Bartiromo’s source for these claims was an email from a Trump supporter with bizarre and baseless assertions. Despite attempts to intervene and correct the misinformation, Fox News continued to host guests spreading false narratives about the election, contributing to the persistence of the “Big Lie” that the election was stolen. The consequences of this misinformation are ongoing, with lawsuits and trials involving Fox News and key figures expected to extend into the Lachlan Murdoch era. Read Article

National: Facebook, Instagram will allow political ads that claim the 2020 election was stolen | Clare Duffy/CNN

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, will permit political ads on its platforms to challenge the outcome of the 2020 US presidential election, part of a broader rollback in election-related content moderation by major social media platforms. This policy change allows Meta to profit from political ads spreading false claims about the legitimacy of the 2020 election while prohibiting ads that question the legitimacy of an upcoming or ongoing election. The move is part of a year-old policy update that has not been widely reported. Meta’s broader electoral misinformation policy still prohibits content that may interfere with people’s ability to participate in voting or the census. This shift in handling election advertisements and misinformation comes amid increased pressure on tech companies to combat election misinformation, particularly following the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol fueled by baseless claims about election fraud. Read Article

National: Election offices are sent envelopes with fentanyl or other substances. Authorities are investigating | Christina A. Cassidy, Ed Komenda and Gene Johnson/Associated Press

Authorities are investigating the sending of suspicious letters, some containing fentanyl, to elections offices in at least five states, including Georgia, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington. The letters, some intercepted before delivery, delayed ballot counting in local races. Four of the letters contained the powerful opioid fentanyl. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are treating the incidents as acts of domestic terrorism and working to intercept additional letters. The letters, featuring various symbols and messages, raise concerns about the safety of election workers and underscore the ongoing threats faced by election officials across the country. Read Article

National: One year out: how a free and fair 2024 presidential election could be under threat | Zachary Roth/News From The States

As the U.S. approaches another presidential election, concerns arise over potential threats to the electoral process. Despite arrests and convictions related to the January 6th Capitol attack, there’s little indication of moderation among those who challenged the election. Former President Trump has hinted at seeking retribution if reinstated, an election denier now leads one House of Congress, and threats of political violence influence key voting decisions. A recent poll reveals that 3 out of 4 respondents believe American democracy is at risk, with nearly a quarter suggesting violence might be necessary to safeguard the nation. Experts emphasize the need to assess vulnerabilities and reinforce the electoral system against potential subversion, chaos, voter suppression, and administrative challenges. Read Article

National: Why countering false election claims may be harder in 2024 | Shannon Bond and Miles Parks/NPR

Election officials and experts express concerns over the growing pressure from the political right, led by figures like former President Donald Trump and GOP Congressman Jim Jordan, that has framed efforts to combat election misinformation as censorship. A campaign of legal and political pressure has led to the scaling back or dismantling of tools and partnerships designed to address falsehoods, even as foreign threats and concerns about misinformation persist. Instances like the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security’s Disinformation Governance Board and a lawsuit alleging collusion between the Biden administration and social media companies have contributed to a chilling effect on efforts to combat election-related rumors and conspiracy theories. This pressure has also affected social media platforms’ willingness to police false claims and misinformation, raising concerns about the ability to counter election-related falsehoods effectively. Read Article

National: Microsoft, Meta detail plans to fight election disinformation in 2024 | Brandon Vigliarolo/The Register

Microsoft and Meta have unveiled initiatives to address misinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, although the effectiveness of these strategies remains uncertain. Microsoft’s five-step election protection plan, set to be implemented in several countries with critical elections in 2024, includes a Content Credentials service for digital watermarking of images and videos to verify authenticity. However, concerns exist regarding its recognition in Chrome and other web browsers and the potential for metadata tampering. Microsoft also plans to offer advisory services to political campaigns on handling AI and cyber influence, establish an Election Communications Hub, and support legislative changes against harmful uses of technology like the Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, introduced in the US Senate in September. Meta, on the other hand, is focusing on ad transparency, requiring disclosure for digitally manipulated or altered content in social, electoral, or political ads, aiming to combat misinformation disseminated through ads. This change will be implemented globally in 2024. Read Article

National: Readying an Election Administration Workforce for What Comes Next | Carl Smith/Governing

The Election Workforce Advisory Council, established by The Elections Group in partnership with the Bipartisan Policy Center, aims to address the evolving role of election administrators in the U.S. As the responsibilities of election officials have expanded to include IT management, legal compliance, cybersecurity, and public health measures due to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and increased security threats, the council will work on long-term projects to enhance training, recruitment, and retention of election administrators. The initiative is expected to help adapt to the changing demands of the role and provide support for election officials, particularly as many have left their positions in recent years. Read Article

Guilty pleas stack up in Georgia, but lies continue to reverberate | Carrie Levine/Votebeat

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is investigating Cochise County supervisors Tom Crosby and Peggy Judd, both Republicans, for their refusal to certify the county’s midterm election results within the state-required deadline. The subpoenas, issued by Mayes’ office, do not specify the criminal violations being investigated. The two supervisors had initially voted to postpone the certification, citing unfounded claims about ballot tabulation machines, and also attempted to implement a full hand count of all ballots, both of which were deemed illegal. Mayes’ probe aims to deter similar disruptions in future elections, potentially setting a precedent for holding officials accountable for their duties in accordance with state law. Read Article

National: State and local election workers quitting amid abuse, officials tell U.S. Senate panel | Jacob Fischler/Pennsylvania Capital-Star

Election officials from several states testified at a U.S. Senate committee hearing about the increasing threats and intimidation they face, which have led experienced workers to leave the profession. Conspiracy theories and misinformation have fueled a hostile environment for election workers, prompting many to quit, creating challenges for the inexperienced new leaders. This situation has worsened since 2020, with officials in Arizona and Pennsylvania reporting significant resignations. The hostile environment has made it difficult to retain experienced poll workers and recruit and train new ones, presenting a major challenge in running elections. The panel emphasized the bipartisan nature of the issue and the need for continued federal funding to address it. Read Article

National: Republicans claw back control of elections in key states | Zach Montellaro/Politico

Republican officials in key battleground states are focusing on asserting more control over the election process, particularly targeting offices and agencies responsible for overseeing elections. Efforts include attempts to oust Wisconsin’s elections chief over baseless 2020 election conspiracies, restructuring election boards in North Carolina that could lead to stalemates on key issues like early voting, and dismantling the election office in Texas’ largest county. These moves, seen as part of a broader trend, have raised concerns about the potential impact on public confidence in the electoral system and may disrupt preparations for the 2024 elections. Read Article

National: White House 2024: AI Threatens To ‘Supercharge’ Disinformation | Anuj Chopra/AFP

The upcoming 2024 White House race is expected to be heavily influenced by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools, presenting both opportunities and challenges. AI programs can now generate realistic images, videos, and text impersonating political figures, potentially confusing voters and eroding trust in the electoral process. Campaigns are also utilizing AI for tasks like voter database analysis and fundraising emails. However, this technology’s potential for disinformation campaigns is concerning, with AI-generated content being used to distort the truth and smear opponents. A recent poll indicates that over 50% of Americans believe AI-enabled falsehoods will impact the outcome of the 2024 election, and around one-third will be less trusting of the results due to AI-generated content. While AI provides new tools for understanding voters and trends, there’s a growing need for regulations and standards to curb its potential for misuse in political campaigns. Read Article

A Key Piece of Voting Technology Isn’t Federally Tested. That May Change | Eric Geller/The Messenger

October 30, 2023

The staff of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has proposed the establishment of a testing and certification program for electronic poll books, which are tablet computers used by poll workers to verify voters’ eligibility. These e-poll books, though vital to the election process, currently lack federal security regulations. If implemented, this program would ensure that e-poll books meet privacy, security, and accessibility standards. While the proposal is being considered, any formal testing program for e-poll books won’t be in place for several years, likely missing the 2024 presidential election. This delay is due to the need for refining testing requirements, creating operational guidelines, and providing manufacturers with guidance for compliance. Read Article

National: Schumer endorses guardrails for AI use in elections, considers candidate pledge | Carolina Nihill/FedScoop

October 30, 2023

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that guidelines for political candidates’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) are in development and might be implemented for the 2024 elections. Speaking at a summit, Schumer emphasized the need for guardrails to prevent AI from deceiving voters or disrupting electoral processes. He referred to a suggestion by Washington Post columnist Geoffrey A. Fowler, proposing an election pledge for candidates to label AI-generated communications and refrain from using AI to misrepresent competitors or confuse voters. Schumer stressed the importance of establishing AI guardrails ahead of the 2024 presidential election to ensure election integrity and combat misinformation. Read Article

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

October 23, 2023

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

National: Alarms sound over high turnover among election workers | Julia Mueller/The Hill

Experts are warning of potential chaos and confusion in the November 2024 presidential election due to high turnover among local election officials and workers, largely driven by threats and scrutiny associated with false claims of voter fraud. This exodus could lead to understaffed and inexperienced teams grappling with ongoing conspiracies and misinformation, with some overseeing a high-stakes presidential election for the first time. Concerns are raised about the loss of experience, potential for mistakes, and increased suspicion around the electoral process, with experts highlighting the need for a committed and well-supported workforce in these roles. Additionally, the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology and deep-fake videos is seen as a potential source of false information in the upcoming election. Read Article

National: The drive to hand count ballots is growing. The GOP could stop it. | Jessica Huseman/Votebeat

The movement to hand-count ballots, particularly championed by far-right groups, is causing significant issues, particularly in conservative areas. The push for manual vote tallies is leading to disenfranchisement in these regions due to the costly, labor-intensive nature of the practice. An example is Kerr County in Texas, where a Republican commissioner is leading the charge, resulting in disruptions and resignations among election administrators. Similar problems have emerged in Cochise County, Arizona, Nye County, Nevada, and Shasta County, California. Even fellow Republicans are reconsidering their support for hand counting, recognizing its problematic outcomes. Read Article

National: Republican states swore off a voting tool. Now they’re scrambling to recreate it | Miles Parks/NPR

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen has introduced the Alabama Voter Integrity Database (AVID), a program that aims to monitor voter movements, deaths, and potential illegal voting across states. Allen claims AVID is the first of its kind, but it appears to mirror the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), a bipartisan, cross-state partnership for voter list maintenance. However, Allen, along with several other Republican secretaries of state, withdrew from ERIC earlier this year, citing conspiracy theories. This move has prompted a scattered effort on the right to recreate a system similar to ERIC, which experts and election officials doubt will be as effective. These new initiatives may lack the necessary data for reliable voter list comparison, and they are viewed as less likely to fully replicate ERIC, which was a carefully engineered and well-established system. The new agreements do not include sharing critical driver’s license data, which was a key component of ERIC’s accuracy and reliability. Read Article

National: Election Integrity in the Age of Generative AI: Fact vs. Fiction | Carl Smith/Governing

The rise of AI-generated content poses a new challenge in the fight against election misinformation. Election officials, already stretched thin, lack the resources and expertise to combat AI-generated disinformation effectively. While some states have taken steps to address this issue, the potential for AI to accelerate existing threats to election integrity is a concern. AI could be used to create misleading websites, generate robocalls, and produce deepfake videos, further undermining trust in the electoral process. The exponential growth in AI capabilities adds an extra layer of complexity, making it difficult to predict or mitigate potential threats. The need for robust strategies to counter AI-generated disinformation in elections is becoming increasingly urgent. Read Article

Georgia: Trump co-defendant Sidney Powell pleads guilty in Georgia election interference case | Holly Bailey and Amy Gardner/The Washington Post