A small group of national security experts is discreetly advising state governments and lawmakers on how to prepare for potential interference by the Trump administration during the upcoming midterm elections. These private briefings target governors and election stewards who are increasingly concerned about federal actions impacting the voting process.

Growing tensions in election security

While state and local officials have long prepared for foreign hacking and disinformation, they now face a new challenge: a fractured relationship with the federal government. This tension is manifesting in several ways across the country:

  • Restricted Access: Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold has barred federal officials from entering the state’s election cybersecurity command center to prevent interference.
  • Legal Pressure: The Justice Department recently threatened to prosecute California officials regarding the counting of certain mail-in ballots.
  • Law Enforcement Actions: In Georgia, federal agents used a search warrant to seize hundreds of boxes of election records from a local facility.

The context of state authority

Under the Constitution, states hold the primary responsibility for managing elections. However, the current administration has sought significant changes to voter registration and election systems, leading to friction. Colorado officials specifically identified the federal government as their "number one risk at this point."

This friction creates practical hurdles. Cybersecurity threats often cross state lines, but the administration's efforts to monitor or intervene can complicate the coordination needed to protect voting infrastructure. This is particularly sensitive as the Department of Homeland Security recently flagged 15 states for potential vulnerabilities in election integrity.

What to watch next

As the midterms approach, the level of cooperation between state cybersecurity centers and federal agencies will be critical. Observers are watching to see if other states follow Colorado's lead in restricting federal access or if the administration increases legal pressure on local administrators to enforce new registration standards. The ability of states to manage these threats while maintaining public trust will be a defining feature of the upcoming election cycle.