In time for the extended Presidents’ Day weekend in the United States, there have been numerous alerts regarding what is expected to be a demanding and potentially perilous year for the electoral processes and government personnel.
Authorities at the state and county levels have been strongly advised to prioritize the use of paper ballots over electronic ones whenever feasible. It is crucial to establish protocols in all election offices to manage hazardous substances like fentanyl, anthrax, and ricin.
Concurrently, government agencies have raised concerns about the proliferation of election-related disinformation, which appears to be spreading rapidly. Instances such as robocalls impersonating US President Joe Biden instructing people not to vote have already emerged, hinting at the upcoming surge in deepfakes and other AI-generated misinformation that will likely be amplified through traditional social media platforms in the lead-up to elections in the US, UK, and Canada.
Regarding election security threats, Michelle Alvarez, the strategic threat analysis manager for IBM X-Force, anticipates the utilization of AI in deceptive campaigns. While the focus may be on deceiving constituents, consumers, and officials, the primary target is not expected to be the electoral systems themselves. This year is projected to be characterized by a surge in deceptive practices surrounding elections.
On the global front, the joint efforts of the US, UK, and Canadian governments aim to combat foreign fake news that seeks to destabilize democracies. While specifics are scarce in the collaborative statement, the initiative includes the endorsement of the Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation, which involves developing compatible digital tools to identify and address these threats effectively.
In addition to combating disinformation, election administrators must also address concerns related to the secure return of completed ballots to state and county offices. The guidance from the FBI, CISA, the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) emphasizes the preference for paper ballot returns due to the inherent security risks associated with electronic methods.
Furthermore, a separate alert from CISA highlights the physical safety of election workers, cautioning against the potential threat of hazardous materials being sent via mail. The alert underscores the importance of implementing protocols to handle dangerous mail and respond to hazardous material exposure, particularly focusing on substances like fentanyl, anthrax, and ricin.
Overall, the emphasis is on enhancing election security measures, ensuring the integrity of the electoral processes, and safeguarding the well-being of government personnel involved in the electoral procedures.
