Newslooks/ NEW YORK/ Election financing/ voting security support/ federal election infrastructure funding/ Election officials from key swing states called for more federal funds to support election security, citing aging machines and the need for voter registration upgrades. They expressed confidence in the election process, but emphasized the importance of funding to maintain secure voting. Despite challenges, they affirmed their commitment to running a fair election.
Election Security Funding Quick Looks:
- Michigan and Arizona Secretaries of State urged Congress for more election security funding.
- The funds would support replacing outdated machines, hiring staff, and upgrading registration systems.
- Election officials, including Republicans, stress their efforts to protect the integrity of the upcoming vote.
- Donald Trump’s false claims of widespread 2020 election fraud are increasing scrutiny and pressure.
- Some officials like Rep. Steil countered calls for funding with the promotion of stricter voter ID laws.
Election Officials Seek Federal Funds for Voting Security
Deep Look:
Election officials from two key presidential swing states, Michigan and Arizona, testified before Congress on Wednesday to request more federal money to support their election infrastructure. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, both Democrats, highlighted the challenges they face as they prepare for the November 2024 presidential election. These officials explained that federal funds would help them address crucial needs, such as upgrading outdated voting machines, enhancing voter registration systems, and hiring essential personnel.
At a House Administration Committee hearing, Benson and Fontes expressed their confidence in their states’ election preparations. Despite their reassurance, they emphasized that federal financial support is vital for maintaining secure elections. With absentee ballots already being mailed to voters, the timing of their plea is critical. Fontes stated that Arizona has taken several proactive steps, such as conducting tabletop exercises and deploying a statewide ballot-tracking system. These efforts aim to bolster voter confidence, but Fontes cautioned that “none of this is free,” underscoring the lack of “sustained and dependable” federal funding for election infrastructure.
Election security has become a topic of national concern due in part to the unfounded claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election by former President Donald Trump. Trump has continued to push the narrative of election fraud, warning that noncitizens might vote illegally in the 2024 election, though there is no substantial evidence to support this claim. His rhetoric has heightened scrutiny around the election process and led to increased threats against election workers, prompting some jurisdictions to step up security measures.
Despite these challenges, election officials across the country are working diligently to protect the integrity of the election process. They are not only focused on enabling all eligible voters to participate but are also taking measures to ensure that ineligible voters are excluded. Michigan’s Benson confirmed that her state rigorously verifies the citizenship of voters, responding to Republican efforts to push through the SAVE Act. This legislation, supported by House Republicans, aims to introduce a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters. Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, chair of the House Administration Committee, argued that the SAVE Act would grant election administrators free access to federal databases to verify citizenship status.
Benson and other election officials rejected the need for additional citizenship checks, explaining that current systems already have effective safeguards. She pointed out that Michigan’s voter registration process requires individuals to attest under penalty of perjury that they are U.S. citizens. The rare instances of noncitizens voting have not posed a widespread issue, despite concerns amplified by Republican campaign messaging surrounding immigration.
Trevor Potter, president of the Campaign Legal Center, reinforced this view, emphasizing that American elections have consistently proven to be secure. The current system of checks and balances leaves little room for fraudulent activity, Potter explained.
In addition to the testimonies from Michigan and Arizona, the committee also heard from New Mexico’s Democratic Secretary of State and Republican election officials from Florida, Ohio, and West Virginia. These officials provided insights into their own election security measures. For example, New Mexico has implemented a zero-tolerance policy for election fraud and has launched an extensive voter education campaign.
As election officials prepare for the upcoming vote, their message to Congress remains clear: secure elections require sustained financial investment. They urge federal lawmakers to recognize the importance of funding in ensuring that elections remain free, fair, and secure.
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