Alabama’s elections are some of the most secure and well-run in the country. Our probate judges, circuit clerks, and county election officials take their work seriously. They are neighbors, veterans, and public servants who understand that trust in our elections is something you have to earn – and protect – every single day.
But the challenges they face are changing fast. Today’s threats are not just technical glitches or staffing shortages. They include sophisticated cyberattacks from hostile nations and cyber criminals, and these entities want to exploit weaknesses and undermine confidence in our democracy.
They know they do not have to break the system to shake people’s faith in it. That is why preparation matters. And preparation takes resources.
Local officials are stretching limited budgets to secure their networks, replace outdated equipment, and train poll workers on new technology. The federal government has a responsibility to be a steady partner in this work, not a once-in-a-while supporter.
Right now, that partnership is anything but steady. In Washington, election infrastructure funding has been caught up in the yearly appropriations process and short-term budget deals. The amount of support local election offices receive can swing from a large sum one year to almost nothing the next. That kind of uncertainty makes it impossible for counties to plan long term, upgrade equipment, or retain trained staff.
Over the past two fiscal years combined, Congress has provided only about $70 million nationwide for election infrastructure, down from an average of $400 million a year during the first Trump administration. That’s a steep drop at a time when the threats to our systems are only growing.
Federal funding does not mean federal control. It means giving local officials the certainty to plan ahead and keep Alabama elections strong. It means ensuring every county, big or small, has what it needs to stay prepared – not just for 2026, but for the years that follow.
Alabama has proven we know how to run elections the right way. What we need now is for Congress to give our local officials the consistency they deserve, the kind of reliable funding that keeps preparation from turning into reaction.
Because at the end of the day, preparation only works if you have the tools.
K.L. Brown is a former State Representative from Alabama's 40th District.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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