CISA Releases Voluntary Election Security Plan

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released a voluntary election-security plan on Thursday, offering state and local officials assistance against cyber and physical threats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The 13-page 2026 Election Infrastructure Security Plan describes services and guidance for protecting election systems, facilities and personnel. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the plan would be implemented in full. CISA says election offices and other infrastructure operators can request no-cost help, including technical expertise, vulnerability scanning, training and exercises. The plan also describes a role for the agency’s 10 regional directors in advising election officials and coordinating support. It identifies a free information-sharing platform intended to connect election officials with state intelligence hubs and federal partners, although it does not name the platform or specify when officials can enroll or how it will be staffed. The plan recommends that officials consider using reviewable paper ballots and conducting manual audits after voting but before certifying final results.