National

When a far-right disinformation campaign targeted a little-known data tool that helps states update their voter files, people lit up election officials’ phone lines and inboxes. The conspiracy theories accused the program, called Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC, of trying to manipulate votes, and falsely painted a prominent Democratic donor as a shadowy financier pulling the organization’s strings. “It kind of went viral,” said Michael Adams, Kentucky’s Republican secretary of state. “And so, suddenly, I’m getting all kinds of messages. The legislators I’m working with are getting all kinds of messages. And everyone’s panicking.” The messages, Adams said, were “just Kookytown.” Read Article

National: Fearing political violence, more states ban firearms at polling places | Matt Vasilogambros/Stateline

Facing increased threats to election workers and superheated political rhetoric from former President Donald Trump and his supporters, more states are considering firearm bans at polling places and ballot drop boxes ahead of November’s presidential election. This month, New Mexico became the latest state to restrict guns where people vote or hand in ballots, joining at least 21 other states with similar laws — some banning either open or concealed carry but most banning both. Nine of those prohibitions were enacted in the past two years, as states have sought to prevent voter intimidation or even violence at the polls driven by Trump’s false claims of election rigging. At least six states are debating bills that would ban firearms at polling places or expand existing bans to include more locations. Read Article

National Guard ready to assist states with cyber response, say officials | Skylar Rispens/StateScoop

The National Guard, equipped with over 2,000 cybersecurity-trained guardsmen, stands ready to support states’ cyber requirements, according to Major General Joe Jarrard and Brigadier General Teri D. Williams of the National Guard Bureau. With ample capacity and readiness, the Guard’s cyber team is gearing up to assist states with the upcoming November presidential election. Their success in recruiting and retaining cyber professionals is attributed not to monetary incentives but to the unique opportunities for training and community service. This symbiotic relationship between civilian jobs and National Guard service benefits both parties, with guardsmen bringing back enhanced cyber skills to their civilian roles. Read Article

Wisconsin: Ballot Measure May Scare Away the People Who Help Run Elections | Alex Burness/Bolts

For the past two years, Nick Ramos has volunteered his time to ensure more Wisconsinites can participate in elections: with a mobile printer in hand, he visits polling places in the Milwaukee area to help people who lack proper identification obtain it on the spot, so that they are eligible to vote. But Ramos, who directs the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, an organization that promotes good government, says he may not volunteer in the future if voters approve Question 2, a constitutional amendment on the state’s April 2 ballot. “This thing gets passed, and I’d be very afraid to do that again,” he told Bolts. The measure would require that only “an election official designated by law may perform tasks in the conduct of primaries, elections or referendums.” It can easily read as an innocuous codification of existing statute, and it has generated no campaign spending on either side of the issue since Republican lawmakers chose to place it on the ballot late last year. Read Article

National: America’s election chiefs are worried AI is coming for them | Zach Montellaro/Politico

Election officials are increasingly concerned about the potential for AI-generated misinformation to disrupt the democratic process, with scenarios including false communications from state officials, manipulated videos, and phishing attempts targeting election workers. These attacks exploit the obscurity yet importance of election officials, making them vulnerable targets. To combat this threat, election officials are incorporating AI scenarios into their training programs and planning public education campaigns to counter misinformation. Read Article

National: China, Russia and Iran capable of disrupting 2024 elections, intel assessment warns | David DiMolfetta/Nextgov/FCW

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released an assessment stating that China, Russia, and Iran are capable of and likely to launch cyberattacks aimed at disrupting the U.S. presidential election in November. The report highlights concerns about misinformation and disinformation campaigns, with China potentially using state-run TikTok accounts to influence election outcomes. Moscow sees the elections as an opportunity for influence operations, while Iran may attempt to conduct influence operations targeting U.S. elections, as it has done in the past. There are fears that a loss of faith in electoral systems could lead to widespread voter fraud claims, similar to those seen in the 2020 election, and potentially result in violence. Additionally, reductions in content moderator staff at social media companies are seen as a major risk to election integrity, while the lack of communication between these companies and government agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency further complicates efforts to combat election interference. Read Article

National: With AI afoot, state election officials ask federal lawmakers for more funding | Sophia Fox-Sowell/StateScoop

State and local election officials testified before the Senate Rules Committee about the increasing threat of AI-generated deepfakes to election security, urging lawmakers to pass legislation addressing challenges posed by artificial intelligence. With all 50 states introducing legislation to regulate deepfakes since 2019, and 15 states passing such legislation, concerns were raised about misinformation, disinformation, and foreign interference in elections. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson advocated for the Preparing Election Administrators for AI Act, emphasizing the need for federal investment in U.S. elections to combat AI-generated threats. Read Article

National: Top US cybersecurity agency hacked and forced to take some systems offline | Sean Lyngaas/CNN

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently discovered it was hacked, prompting the shutdown of two key computer systems—one facilitating the sharing of security tools among federal, state, and local officials, and the other containing information on security assessments of chemical facilities. Although there is currently no operational impact, the incident underscores the vulnerability of organizations to cyber threats and highlights the importance of having robust incident response plans in place. The hack exploited vulnerabilities in virtual private networking software made by Ivanti, with CISA urging agencies and firms to update their software. Read Article

National: There are 100,000 fewer Election Day polling places in 2024 | Chris Teale/Route Fifty

The decline in physical polling places during the 2022 midterms, almost halving from the previous cycle, has raised concerns among voting rights groups, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision, which struck down key parts of the Voting Rights Act. This decline, coupled with pandemic-related changes to voting procedures and state-level decisions, has led to accessibility challenges, especially for low-income individuals. Efforts to reinstate parts of the Voting Rights Act have faced opposition, further complicating the situation. Some of the decrease is the result of many counties adopting countywide vote centers and the nationwide increase in mail balloting but concerns persist over uneven polling place availability and the reluctance of venues like schools and churches to serve as polling locations due to security, safety, and legal compliance issues. Read Article

National: The Chinese government is using TikTok to meddle in elections, ODNI says | Mallory Culhane/Politico

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released a report warning that China is utilizing TikTok to expand its global influence and potentially interfere in U.S. elections through propaganda and disinformation campaigns. The report alleges that TikTok accounts linked to a Chinese propaganda arm targeted candidates from both political parties during the 2022 midterm elections and highlights China’s increasing sophistication in online influence activities, including the use of generative AI. Lawmakers are considering legislation to force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app amid concerns about national security threats posed by the platform, although no concrete examples have been publicly provided. Read Article

National: How officials are using AI to prepare election workers for voting chaos | Derek B. Johnson/CyberScoop

Election officials in Arizona and Minnesota are proactively addressing the potential threat of AI-generated disinformation impacting the upcoming elections. Trainings and simulations, like the one conducted in Arizona, aim to educate officials about the capabilities of AI and deepfake technology. Concerns about the use of AI to spread disinformation, particularly in Arizona, where election denialism remains prevalent, underscore the need for preparedness. However, many states lack specific plans to combat AI-generated content, leaving election officials scrambling to respond effectively. Despite limited documented incidents of deepfakes influencing politics, the emergence of generative AI presents a new challenge for election officials, who must remain vigilant and adaptable in the face of evolving threats. Read Article

National: A federal agency has told rural counties and small towns how to safeguard their elections, but not all can afford the fixes | Fiona Glisson and Julia Ainsley/NBC

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been offering recommendations to rural areas and small towns on enhancing election security, prompted by concerns raised after the 2022 midterms. However, many of these communities struggle to afford the necessary upgrades, leaving them vulnerable to physical threats against election offices and workers. Despite efforts from CISA to provide guidance, including suggestions for security enhancements, such as CCTV systems and outdoor lighting, financial constraints hinder implementation. Election officials in various states have expressed worries about threats stemming from online disinformation about the 2020 election, leading to increased intimidation of election workers. While CISA encourages seeking grant funding at state and federal levels, the process remains challenging for many jurisdictions, highlighting the need for increased investment in voting security, especially with the upcoming presidential election. Read Article

National: Experts try to solve a constant election challenge: How to pay for them | Jessica Huseman/Votebeat

A new initiative led by the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, headed by Tammy Patrick, aims to tackle the challenging issue of election funding in the United States. Unlike previous efforts, which focused more on election best practices, this collaboration seeks to delve into the core problem of insufficient resources for elections. With a bipartisan approach, the initiative brings together experts to examine various funding models and their effectiveness, aiming to dispel misconceptions about election funding and provide valuable insights for policymakers. The inaugural event in Kansas featured discussions with local election officials and highlighted the need for sustainable funding models across different jurisdictions. Read Article

National: Election Officials Seek to Bolster Public Trust | Carl Smith/Governing

As the upcoming general election approaches, a significant challenge for election officials lies in bridging the gap between the public’s awareness of the technical aspects and ethical standards of their work. Recently, a bipartisan group of current election officials revised a longstanding code of ethics to emphasize these standards during a crucial election period. While most Americans trust the fairness of elections, there’s a decline in Republican confidence, highlighting the importance of educating voters about election processes and ethical principles to combat false claims. The updated standards aim to provide common language across jurisdictions and outline steps for their application, promoting fair treatment and professional behavior.Read Article

How CISA Fights Cyber Threats During Election Primary Season | David Strom/Dark Reading

CISA is actively addressing concerns surrounding election security and integrity, establishing an Election Operations Center to coordinate threat responses during primaries. Despite no credible threats detected during Super Tuesday and previous primaries, CISA has enhanced cybersecurity support for state and local election officials, offering training programs, guidelines for security exercises, and hiring cybersecurity specialists. While traditional cybersecurity threats like DDoS and ransomware attacks remain a concern, the sophistication of attacks has evolved, with deepfake videos and misinformation campaigns posing new challenges. Efforts to combat these threats include partnerships with tech vendors and the creation of myth-busting websites. Additionally, focus has shifted to physical security, with initiatives to protect election workers and enhance the security of electronic voting machines. Read Article

National: Concern Over AI Interfering With Elections Remains Strong | Ethan Baron/GovTech

As the 2024 election approaches, concerns over the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in spreading misinformation are rising among elections officials and law enforcement agencies. Mock scenarios involving AI-generated fake news reports have been discussed, highlighting the potential threat posed by AI in influencing voter behavior. Recent incidents, such as the use of AI to create fake robocalls impersonating President Joe Biden, have prompted federal action to address the issue. While AI-enabled hacking of voting systems is considered less of a concern due to robust defenses, the spread of AI-generated misinformation targeting voters is seen as a significant risk. Read Article

National: Top AI-image generators show Biden hospitalized, election workers destroying voting machines—and other falsehoods | Sheila Dang/Reuters

Research conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) highlights the potential misuse of AI-powered image creation tools, including those from OpenAI and Microsoft, in spreading election-related disinformation despite policies against creating misleading content. Using generative AI tools, CCDH produced images depicting scenarios like President Joe Biden in a hospital bed and election workers destroying voting machines, raising concerns about false claims ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. These tools, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft’s Image Creator, were found to generate misleading images in 41% of tests, particularly susceptible to prompts related to election fraud. Midjourney, in particular, performed poorly, generating misleading images in 65% of tests, with some already being used to create deceptive political content. While some companies, like Stability AI, have updated their policies to prohibit fraud and disinformation, others are working to prevent abuse of their tools, underscoring the ongoing challenge in preserving election integrity amidst technological advancements. Read Article

National: AI can be easily used to make fake election photos – report | Mike Wendling/BBC

March 7, 2024

The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) found that despite prohibitions on creating misleading images, researchers were successful 41% of the time in generating fake election-related images using popular AI tools like Midjourney, OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, Stability.ai’s DreamStudio, and Microsoft’s Image Creator. These images included fictional depictions of presidential candidates engaged in compromising situations and fake scenarios undermining trust in the voting system, such as tampering with ballots and voting machines. While some platforms blocked the creation of images featuring real politicians, they were less effective in preventing the production of false images related to voting and polling places. The CCDH called for AI companies to implement safeguards like keyword filters and restrictions on creating images of real politicians to combat the spread of AI-generated misinformation. In response, companies like OpenAI, Stability AI, Midjourney, and Microsoft stated that they are working to strengthen safeguards and prevent the abuse of AI-generated content, especially during elections. Read Article

National: Transparent, Open-Source Vision for U.S. Elections | Spenser Mestel/Undark

Seeking options to replace their decades-old AccuVote ballot tabulatos, more than 130 New Hampshire election officials packed into the conference rooms on of Concord’s Legislative Office Building last August to view vendor presentations. Ultimately, they faced a choice between two radically different futures. The first was to continue with a legacy vendor. Three companies — Dominion, ES&S, and Hart InterCivic — control roughly 90 percent of the U.S. voting technology market. All three are privately held, meaning they’re required to reveal little about their financial workings and they’re also committed to keeping their source code from becoming fully public. The second future was to gamble on VotingWorks, a nonprofit with only 17 employees and voting machine contracts in just five small counties, all in Mississippi. The company has taken the opposite approach to the Big Three. Its financial statements are posted on its website, and every line of code powering its machines is published on GitHub, available for anyone to inspect. Read Article

National: The US is bracing for complex, fast-moving threats to elections this year, FBI director warns | Eric Tucker/Associated Press

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned of heightened threats to American elections in 2024 due to advancements in artificial intelligence, facilitating malign influence operations by foreign adversaries at an accelerated pace. Highlighting generative AI as a particular concern, Wray emphasized the need for specific, evidence-based communication to arm partners and the public against such influence campaigns. While acknowledging past attempts by Russia, China, and Iran to manipulate elections, officials have not reported successful alterations to voting outcomes, although instances of domestic misuse of technology, such as a robocall impersonating Joe Biden’s voice, have surfaced. Read Article

National: Russia’s 2024 election interference has already begun | Dan De Luce and Kevin Collier/NBC

Disinformation campaigns, attributed to Russia, are underway ahead of the 2024 U.S. election, targeting President Joe Biden and Democrats, while also aiming to undermine American support for Ukraine and NATO solidarity. Similar efforts are observed in Europe, with France, Germany, and Poland noting Russian propaganda ahead of European parliamentary elections. With former President Donald Trump’s opposition to aid for Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin sees an opportunity to exploit political polarization and spread confusion. Concerns arise about potential interference through deepfake technology or “hack and leak” tactics. While Russian propaganda themes find resonance among some Republican lawmakers and pro-Trump commentators, experts emphasize that the primary threat to election integrity stems from internal divisions within American society rather than external manipulation. Read Article

National: Sen. Warner: US is less prepared to secure the 2024 election than 2020 | Christian Vasquez/CyberScoop

Sen. Mark Warner expressed concern that the U.S. is less prepared to combat misinformation in the upcoming 2024 election compared to the 2020 cycle, citing the expected surge in AI-powered misinformation and perceived hesitancy from the Biden administration’s legal team. He highlighted a court case instructing CISA to halt alerting social media platforms about election-related misinformation and emphasized the need for robust action from government agencies to address these threats. Read Article

National: How a Right-Wing Controversy Could Sabotage US Election Security | Eric Geller/WIRED

At a recent meeting between top US election officials and federal cybersecurity partners, West Virginia’s Republican secretary of state, Mac Warner, criticized the agencies for allegedly suppressing the truth about President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, during the 2020 election and then covering it up. This reflects a broader right-wing backlash against agencies like the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), jeopardizing the partnership between the federal government and state leaders established since Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. While most GOP secretaries of state are maintaining their cooperation with CISA, concerns linger about potential erosion of trust and bipartisan collaboration, especially as national Republicans increasingly challenge CISA’s activities and funding. Read Article

National: Chatbots’ inaccurate, misleading responses about US elections threaten to keep voters from polls | Garance Burke/Associated Press

A report highlights concerns about AI-powered chatbots disseminating false information during presidential primaries in the U.S., posing a risk of voter disenfranchisement. The study, conducted by AI experts and election officials, reveals that chatbots like GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini are prone to generating inaccurate responses, including directing voters to non-existent polling places or providing outdated information. Despite efforts to regulate AI in politics, such as a recent voluntary pact among tech companies, the report underscores the need for greater accountability among chatbot developers to ensure the integrity of electoral information. Read Article

California: Shasta County elections panel asks county supervisors to defy state law | Damon Arthur/Redding Record Searchlight

The Shasta County Elections Commission voted to recommend the county Board of Supervisors pass a local ordinance mandating hand-counting of votes, despite California’s recent ban on the practice. The recommendation, supported by three commissioners, stemmed from concerns about the reliability and security of machine tallies. However, members of the public pointed out that the proposal contradicts state law, which prohibits hand-counting in elections with more than 1,000 voters. Despite previous plans to sue the state over the issue, Supervisor Patrick Jones suggested the county would proceed with hand counting, prompting criticism from opponents who view the move as unnecessary and costly. Read Article

National: Election security threats in the US are growing. Federal funding to address them isn’t | Christina A. Cassidy/Associated Press

State election officials are voicing frustration over the lack of federal funding to support election security measures, equipment updates, and staff training ahead of the 2024 elections. With mounting challenges such as cyberattacks, misinformation, and threats to election officials, the absence of federal investment raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. While past funding efforts have been beneficial, the exhaustion of previous allocations leaves officials scrambling to address evolving threats without adequate resources. Despite bipartisan calls for additional funding, partisan disputes in Congress have stalled progress, leaving election officials to make tough decisions and scale back security efforts. Read Article

National: America’s election chiefs are desperate to stick together in 2024 | Zach Montellaro/Politico

The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) is striving for unity and bipartisanship as they navigate the complexities surrounding the 2024 elections. Despite external challenges like misinformation and threats, the organization aims to maintain a calm and collaborative atmosphere, emphasizing areas of agreement rather than unnecessary disputes. Leaders Scott Schwab and Steve Simon are working to keep NASS cohesive, recognizing the importance of presenting a united front to bolster public confidence in the electoral process. While concerns about disinformation, declining confidence, and physical security persist, efforts are underway to address these challenges and ensure a smooth electoral process. Read Article

National: Election officials contend with AI, bomb threats, and suspicious mail | Carrie Levine/Votebeat

Election officials, often overlooked in emergency preparedness discussions, are emerging as crucial figures in crisis management due to their comprehensive contingency planning. Facing a spectrum of threats from natural disasters to man-made emergencies like bomb threats or drug exposure, they are implementing innovative measures such as distributing emergency kits containing medical supplies and conducting tabletop exercises to simulate responses to various scenarios. While past experiences inform their preparedness efforts, they recognize the evolving nature of threats, exemplified by the shift from cybersecurity concerns to artificial intelligence risks, Read Article

National: AI deepfakes come of age as billions prepare to vote in a bumper year of elections | Jonathan Yerushalmy/The Guardian

AI-generated deepfake calls, including a fake one purportedly from Joe Biden urging voters to delay their vote, have sparked concerns about the potential for AI to disrupt elections. Governments, tech companies, and civil society groups are grappling with how to regulate AI-created content, especially as trust in politicians and institutions is already low. While measures like the U.S. executive order requiring AI developers to share safety test results are in place, some argue that more proactive regulation is needed, particularly given the vulnerability of digital media to exploitation. Read Article

National: Election Deniers Seek to Rewrite the Law | Nick Corasaniti/The New York Times