FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Silver Spring, Md. – As the House Intelligence Committee holds a hearing to examine threats posed by Russia, including potential threats to U.S. elections, Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Chair Matthew V. Masterson is assuring state and local election officials that the commission is actively working with other federal agencies to help them navigate challenges posed by those seeking to interfere with the nation’s vote.
"Last year, the EAC effectively worked with state and local election officials from across the United States to address potential threats and help ensure the successful administration of the 2016 election. We connected them to FBI, Homeland Security and other federal resources to coordinate necessary steps to protect the integrity of our nation’s elections. We also provided training, advice and best practices that helped these election administrators take steps to anticipate, access and fend off potential outside threats. We know from today’s hearing and from our election experience that threats posed by those seeking to undermine confidence in U.S. elections remain a concern and have long been a priority for those who administer elections. We also know that state and local election officials are best positioned to make the adjustments necessary to stave off possible hostile acts. We look forward to continuing our work with these elections officials, as well as with partners across the federal government, to keep U.S. elections secure, accessible and accurate."
In December, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated U.S. election systems as part of the nation’s critical infrastructure. Since then, the EAC has worked closely with state and local election officials to seek clarification about the impact of that decision. That work is ongoing and the topic will be further examined at an upcoming EAC Public Hearing on April 4.
For more information or to speak with Chairman Masterson, contact Brenda Bowser Soder at [email protected] or 301-563-3951.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). It is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with ensuring secure, accurate and accessible elections by developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and serving as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration. EAC also accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems, as well as administers the use of HAVA funds. For more information, visit www.eac.gov.