Between election cycles, it is easy to forget how much work goes into ensuring our elections run smoothly.
But our election officials do not get to take a break. They are constantly working to secure our elections against evolving threats, from cyberattacks to logistical challenges in rural communities. They need the right tools – and consistent support from the federal government – to keep our elections safe, reliable and accessible.
As a state representative, one of my top priorities is cutting wasteful government spending. But ensuring our elections are secure and reliable is not wasteful, it’s essential. Federal election security grants do not go to bloated bureaucracies in Washington; instead, they go directly to state and local election offices, where they are used to strengthen election infrastructure and improve cybersecurity. A secure election system is the foundation of our democracy, and making smart, targeted investments in election security is a responsible use of federal funds.
Thankfully, the previous Trump administration had a strong record of supporting election security. Under Trump, Congress allocated around $400 million for election security per fiscal year. These investments helped state and local election offices improve cybersecurity, replace outdated equipment, and ensure elections were conducted with integrity. However, under the Biden administration, funding plummeted – even as billions were spent on far less critical priorities. Fiscal Year 2024, the federal government allocated only $55 million for election security grant, an inadequate amount given the mounting challenges election officials face.
This is not about growing government. This is about ensuring our local election offices, especially in rural counties, have what they need to protect our elections from cyber threats and other risks.
Investing in election security makes our elections stronger in real, tangible ways. Funding can be used to expand and enhance ballot tracking systems, increasing transparency and voter confidence by providing real-time updates on ballot status and identifying potential issues early. Election offices can also strengthen cybersecurity by implementing advanced threat detection systems, upgrading network security, and providing comprehensive training for election officials. These are direct, meaningful improvements that help maintain the integrity of our elections.
Encouragingly, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and the Senate Appropriations Committee have taken a key step by unanimously approving $75 million for election security grants in Fiscal Year 2025. While this is a positive development, election officials need reliable, year-over-year funding to make meaningful improvements and stay ahead of emerging threats.
Fiscal responsibility is important, and we must always be vigilant about wasteful spending. But safeguarding our elections is not wasteful, it is a fundamental investment in our democracy. These funds go directly to state and local election offices, where they are used to enhance cybersecurity, modernize infrastructure, and ensure elections are conducted efficiently and securely.
Supporting election security means giving state and local officials the tools they need to uphold the integrity of our elections. Congress should approve this year’s funding and commit to providing consistent resources in the future.
Rep. Bob Fincher serves in the 37th District of the Alabama House.
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 email your name and contact information to Commentary@1819news.com.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
