Fact Check: "U.S. elections are generally considered safe and secure."
What We Know
The claim that U.S. elections are generally considered safe and secure is supported by various sources, particularly those from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). CISA has emphasized its commitment to protecting election infrastructure from evolving threats, stating that it provides resources and support to election officials at all levels to enhance security measures (CISA). The 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment also outlines the ongoing efforts to address the risks associated with election security, highlighting the importance of safeguarding electoral processes (Homeland Threat Assessment).
However, the security landscape has been complicated by increasing cyber threats, particularly from foreign actors. Reports indicate that U.S. elections have been targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process (Project 2025). Despite these threats, many election officials express confidence in the measures implemented to secure elections, attributing improvements to CISA's support and resources.
Analysis
The assertion that U.S. elections are safe and secure is partially true. On one hand, there is a consensus among election officials and cybersecurity experts that significant strides have been made in securing election infrastructure. CISA's proactive role in providing training, resources, and incident response capabilities has been widely acknowledged as beneficial (CISA, Project 2025). For instance, CISA has developed customized incident-response products for thousands of election jurisdictions, which have been crucial in enhancing the security posture of these offices.
On the other hand, the potential for vulnerabilities remains a concern. The report from Project 2025 outlines proposals that could undermine CISA's effectiveness in safeguarding elections, suggesting a reduction in its role in election security. This would likely lead to increased risks, especially as election officials often lack the resources and expertise to manage cybersecurity threats independently (Project 2025). Furthermore, the rising sophistication of cyberattacks indicates that while measures are in place, the threat landscape is continuously evolving, necessitating ongoing vigilance and adaptation.
In evaluating the reliability of these sources, CISA and the EAC are credible entities with established expertise in election security. However, the Project 2025 report comes from a think tank that may have specific political motivations, which could influence its perspective on the role of CISA and the security of elections. Thus, while the information presented is valuable, it should be considered within the context of potential biases.
Conclusion
The claim that "U.S. elections are generally considered safe and secure" is partially true. While there have been significant improvements in election security due to the efforts of agencies like CISA, the evolving nature of cyber threats and proposals to limit these agencies' roles could pose risks to future elections. Therefore, while the current state of U.S. elections reflects a commitment to security, ongoing challenges and potential policy changes could impact this status.