House-Passed Legislation Would Combat U.S. Elections Vulnerabilities

Commentary of Aquene Freechild, Campaign Co-Director of Public Citizen’s Democracy Is For People Campaign

Note: The U.S. House of Representatives passed a sweeping election security reform bill today, the Securing America’s Federal Elections (SAFE Act), by a vote of 225-184. The legislation would strengthen America’s elections in the face of attacks by Russia and address documented concerns from American intelligence agencies about attacks from other foreign state and non-state actors.

It’s an important moment for the election security movement to see solutions that so many experts recommended, brought together in one sweeping bill.

Even better, the bill’s passage in the House signals that election security is a national issue in the digital age deserving continued vigilance and action; but it’s also a testament to the grave threat our democracy faces if we don’t act to replace certain paperless, unaudited and insecure election systems and practices.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell should live up to his title and pass the SAFE Act or similarly bold legislation.