The recent decision by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to place 17 employees on administrative leave has raised concerns about the agency’s ability to provide crucial election security support. These employees, who were directly involved in working with state and local election officials to ensure the security of elections, played a key role in addressing threats such as cyberattacks, ransomware, and the physical safety of election workers. The move has sparked questions about the impact this will have on the agency’s efforts to strengthen election security ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
The staffers placed on leave include ten regional election security specialists who were hired to bolster the agency’s field staff and offer direct support to election officials. These individuals were instrumental in assisting states and local jurisdictions with various aspects of election security, including conducting assessments, providing training sessions, and raising awareness about available resources to mitigate potential threats. Their work was pivotal in facilitating collaboration between CISA and the 50 states, as well as over 8,000 local election jurisdictions across the country.
The internal review that led to these employees being placed on leave was initiated to evaluate the agency’s strategies for countering foreign government interference in U.S. elections. The individuals affected by this decision had been actively involved in efforts to address potential attempts to influence the election process, a responsibility that has been reassigned to other agency staff members as part of the review. The sudden disruption caused by this move is significant, given that these former staffers had established crucial relationships with election administrators nationwide.
The timing of this development is particularly troubling, considering that it comes just months before the 2024 election cycle. The absence of these seasoned employees could potentially result in delays or gaps in providing essential support and resources to state and local election offices. Given the heightened concerns surrounding election security, especially in light of external interference, the temporary loss of expertise from these individuals could have serious implications for the readiness of U.S. elections in the upcoming year.
In light of these developments, stakeholders in the election security community are closely monitoring the situation to assess the impact of the administrative leave on CISA’s ability to fulfill its mission. Efforts are underway to mitigate any potential disruptions and ensure that the agency remains effective in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. As the agency navigates this challenging period, the focus remains on addressing vulnerabilities, enhancing resilience, and safeguarding the democratic process from threats both foreign and domestic.