Policy Studies Cybersecurity

Ensuring Safe Elections

First, what Congress has provided so far is not enough to run safe and secure elections in 2020. Our review shows that the March 27 grants will likely cover anywhere from less than 10 percent of what Georgia officials need to around 18 percent of what Ohio officials need.

Second, local election jurisdictions bear the heaviest burden of protecting voters and workers during the election. In two of the states we examined, local governments must cover over 90 percent of the costs needed to ensure safe and secure elections this year. In all five states, they will bear the overwhelming share of such expenses.

Press release: New Report: Election Officials’ Needs and Costs for Protecting 2020 Elections from Covid-19

Image credit: Joaquin Corbalan P

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