Challenges for Election Officials Intensify Amid Federal Support Reductions
Local election officials across the United States are facing compounded challenges this year as the federal government scales back its support for election processes. This reduction in assistance poses significant hurdles for these officials, who have seen their roles evolve significantly over the past 20 years. Their responsibilities now include addressing cybersecurity threats, countering misinformation, and ensuring the safety of election workers and voters, alongside traditional duties like handling marriage certificates. The recent cuts in federal funding and partnerships, which have been crucial for the operation and protection of elections, have raised concerns among these officials.
The Brennan Center’s 2025 survey of local election officials reveals that a majority of these officials are apprehensive about the federal cutbacks, particularly those affecting election security programs. Notably, 87% believe it is critical for state and local governments to compensate for the gaps these federal reductions have caused. Officials are also worried about possible political interference in their duties, including investigations driven by political motives.
Persistent issues from previous years, such as threats, harassment, and abuse, continue to plague local election officials. Although cooperation with state and local authorities has increased to tackle these and other challenges, there is still a pressing demand for resources to address enduring issues like outdated equipment and a shortage of staff and poll workers.
Another emerging trend is the interest in artificial intelligence (AI) tools among election officials. Although only a small fraction of officials are currently utilizing AI, there has been a notable rise in those seeking guidance from government bodies on using AI effectively in their work, compared to data from 2024.
Concerns about Federal Support Reductions
Historically, the federal government has partnered with local election offices to fund and secure elections, especially following the Department of Homeland Security’s 2017 designation of election systems as critical infrastructure. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been instrumental in offering essential resources to election officials. However, during the Trump administration, there was a freeze on election security support, including a suspension of CISA’s election security advisers. Funding for the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing & Analysis Center, which facilitated information sharing on security risks, was also cut.
The latest survey from the Brennan Center highlights the concerns of local election officials regarding the loss of federal support. Sixty percent of those surveyed expressed concern about federal cuts to election security services, and among those well-informed about these cuts, the concern skyrocketed to 90%. Furthermore, 61% of respondents are worried about CISA altering or reducing its services.
Despite these federal cutbacks, local election officials are striving to fortify their operations. A reported 94% collaborated with local or state agencies to ensure safe and secure elections in 2024, with 80% coordinating with law enforcement. Collaboration with law enforcement has increased, with 62% of officials who faced threats reporting them to law enforcement, up from 54% the previous year.
Concerns about Political Interference
Election officials are also navigating new risks of political interference. In April, President Trump criticized Christopher Krebs, formerly appointed to lead CISA, for his stance on the 2020 election’s integrity. Furthermore, the Georgia State Election Board has initiated a second investigation into Fulton County election officials, although the first investigation found no fraud evidence.
The survey indicates that 46% of election officials are concerned about politically motivated investigations, while 59% worry about political leaders interfering with their duties.
These concerns were voiced even before a New York Times report suggested that the Department of Justice might press charges against officials who fail to secure their systems adequately. The Department of Justice also sued Orange County, California, for refusing to release voter information, amid unfounded rumors about noncitizens voting in federal elections.
The survey reveals that 81% of officials are troubled by the spread of false information on social media about elections.
Threats, Harassment, and Abuse
Threats, harassment, and abuse remain significant issues for election officials. Thirty-six percent reported experiencing harassment or abuse, and 16% faced threats due to their roles. Of those threatened, 63% encountered threats in person, typically at their workplaces. Overall, 38% experienced threats, harassment, or abuse, consistent with last year’s figures.
More than half of the officials expressed concern for the safety of their colleagues or staff, and 25% had similar concerns regarding their families or loved ones.
Artificial Intelligence
The current use of AI in election administration is minimal. Of the 8% of officials using AI, it assists with routine tasks like drafting social media posts and creating graphics. However, this number could grow as 15% have been approached by AI vendors. The Brennan Center continues to advocate for more guidance on AI usage for election officials.
The proportion of election officials seeking guidance on using AI has increased from 31% in 2024 to 40% in 2025, although opinions are mixed on the potential helpfulness of such guidance.
