In brief
Since its establishment in 2018, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has provided vital support to local election officials. However, recent shifts in priorities and staffing under the Trump administration have left many concerned about its effectiveness in assisting future elections. With a significant reduction in resources and an uncertain future, states are looking for alternatives to ensure the security of their electoral processes as they head toward the high-stakes elections in 2026.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a federal body established in 2018 to bolster election security, has significantly reduced its involvement in overseeing recent elections, prompting fears for the 2026 midterm elections, where control of Congress is at stake.
While CISA previously aided state and local election officials by addressing potential threats and providing strategies for ensuring the security of polling stations, its absence in the recent elections has raised eyebrows. Changes in priorities, significant staffing cuts, and budget reductions have led many election officials to question the agency's readiness to assist as they approach the crucial midterms.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon expressed concerns, stating, We do not have a sense of whether we can rely on CISA for these services as we approach a big election year in 2026.” As a result, election officials are scrambling to fill in the gaps that CISA has historically addressed.
CISA’s transformation has been drastic; approximately 1,000 employees reportedly lost their jobs over the past years due to reductions in funding and mission focus. Experts note that states are being left to navigate election security without the critical federal support they once received.
California election officials highlighted CISA's diminished role, stating, The agency's capacity to support elections has been significantly diminished. Many have turned to state and local resources to fill the void, indicating a staggering reliance on self-sufficiency in maintaining electoral integrity.
As 2026 approaches, with the stakes higher than ever, state officials are expecting clarity on CISA’s future role and are considering various alternatives to bolster election security.
