The head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Organization (CISA), Jen Easterly, stated on Sunday that her agency has not observed “particular or credible threats” to election infrastructure in the week leading up to Election Day.
“We have no particular or reliable evidence regarding threats to disrupt or undermine election infrastructure. In an interview with “Face the Nation,” Easterly stated, “I want that to be extremely apparent.”” We are disseminating information, such as the warnings you highlighted, to ensure that state and local election authorities have the knowledge necessary to defend their voting systems and election infrastructure.
In numerous states, early voting for the midterm elections has already begun, and more than 20 million individuals have already cast ballots. The federal government published a joint intelligence bulletin last week indicating domestic violence extremists from all ideologies pose a “heightened threat” to the midterm elections.
Candidates seeking public office, election officials and workers, political rallies, and party representatives are among the potential targets of violence by domestic violent extremists, according to a bulletin issued by a coalition of federal agencies and distributed to law enforcement partners across the country.
Despite Easterly’s assurance that the November elections will be “safe and secure” and her belief that Americans should feel similarly about the integrity of elections in their states, the CISA director acknowledged that there is still cause for concern regarding voter intimidation and threats against election workers.
She stated, “The danger situation is really complex.” “There are cyber dangers, insider threats, and widespread disinformation. Yes, there are threats of harassment, intimidation, and violence against election officials, polling stations, and voters, which is really concerning. Let us be crystal clear. This must cease.”
Easterly deemed the behavior “unacceptable” and “anti-democratic” and urged cooperation and coordination across all levels of government to ensure the safety and security of the midterm elections.
She stated, “These elections and election officials are not faceless backroom bureaucrats.” “These individuals are our relatives, friends, and neighbors. They are a member of our community. They are committed public workers who work tirelessly to safeguard the security of elections, and they deserve not just our support, but also our admiration, respect, and safety. And we are all responsible for ensuring that the environment is safe and secure.”
In addition to the threats posed by domestic violent extremists prior to Election Day, Easterly warned of cyber threats posed by nation states and cyber criminals, as well as disinformation campaigns aimed at sowing discord, undermining confidence in election systems, and exploiting vulnerabilities to incite violence.
Similar to Russia in 2016, China and Iran have also been behind influence operations, according to Easterly, highlighting the need for voters to consult “trusted voices” such as local and state election officials in order to learn how elections function in their states.
“If you see information on the internet and you’re not sure if it’s true, be skeptical, ask questions, look at the source, and investigate it,” Easterly advised. “If you do, you’re basically giving foreign adversaries the opportunity to manipulate Americans, sow discord, and undermine confidence in our election.”