States using federal funds to bolster election security

ATLANTA — Racing to shore up their election systems before November, states are using millions of dollars from the federal government to tighten cybersecurity, safeguard their voter registration rolls and improve communication between county and state election officers.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission released a report Tuesday showing how states plan to spend $380 million allocated by Congress last spring to strengthen voting systems amid ongoing threats from Russia and others.

All but a fraction of the money has already been sent to the states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. The largest chunk — roughly 36 percent — is being spent to improve cybersecurity in 41 states and territories.

More than a quarter of the money will be used to buy new voting equipment in 33 states and territories, although the bulk of this is unlikely to happen until after the Nov. 6 midterm elections.

The state of Nevada is spending nearly $4.3 million in federal grants to shore up its election systems, with the bulk of the money targeted for safeguarding voter registration rolls and lesser amounts to tighten cybersecurity and improve communication between county and state election officers.

Meanwhile, the nation’s intelligence chiefs warn of the ongoing threat of Russian interference. On Tuesday, Microsoft said it had uncovered new Russian hacking efforts targeting U.S. political groups.

“This investment comes at a critical point in time,” said commission member Christy Mccormick. “We are quickly approaching the November midterm elections, and our election officials are laser-focused on ways to ensure our nation’s elections are secure and accessible.”