House Democrats are pushing ahead with a major election security overhaul package that would boost security measures for the 2024 presidential election as the race for the White House heats up.
The package, which is expected to be voted on in the House this month, includes a range of measures designed to shore up the country’s election security apparatus, from providing funding to states to update their voting machines to strengthening election security protocols.
It would also expand the ability of states to conduct post-election audits, which experts say are crucial to verify the accuracy of the vote. The package would also institute new reporting requirements to alert officials to any threats or vulnerabilities in their systems.
The push for the package comes as the 2024 election draws ever closer and as fears mount that foreign actors and other malicious actors may attempt to interfere in the election process. In 2020, the U.S. successfully deterred an extensive disinformation campaign by Russia, but security agencies warn that efforts by foreign actors to interfere with America’s democratic institutions will only increase as the election draws near.
The package currently enjoys wide bipartisan support in the House, and is expected to move quickly to the Senate once it passes out of the House. It remains to be seen if the Senate will take up the measure before the midterms, but the momentum is building.