Election security should be a priority funding for Congress
For more than two decades, I served in the United States Army, and in every role I served, one thing has been constant: When you identify a vulnerability, you act on it. You don’t wait until something breaks to fix it. You plan ahead, build resilient systems, and train for the unexpected.
That’s the same mindset we need to apply to our election systems. With Congress now deep into the appropriations process, critical decisions are being made about which priorities get funded. Election security should be one of them.
Foreign adversaries like Iran are actively probing for weaknesses in our election systems, using cyberattacks, disinformation, and voter data exploitation to disrupt our democratic process. In recent cycles, they’ve stolen and leaked campaign materials, impersonated domestic groups to inflame tensions, and spread false narratives online, all designed to divide Americans and erode trust.
Intelligence officials warn these efforts are only becoming more targeted and aggressive heading into 2026. If we don’t take them seriously, we risk giving our adversaries the upper hand.
In Alabama, we’ve built secure, resilient elections by using verifiable paper ballots, conducting postelection audits, and maintaining strong voter-registration systems. But election infrastructure, like roads and bridges, needs regular upkeep, and many counties lack the funds to keep pace.
Federal support hasn’t matched the urgency. Annual security grants fell from $400 million during President Trump’s first term to just $70 million combined over the last two fiscal years. Without that help, local officials must delay equipment upgrades and stretch already thin budgets to train poll workers and protect their systems.
We wouldn’t accept that level of underinvestment in our military, and we shouldn’t in election administration either.
Fortunately, there’s momentum to raise the bar.
Earlier this year, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at preserving and protecting the integrity of American elections. Among its provisions are stronger enforcement against foreign interference, tighter ballot security, and requirements for states to meet higher standards for their voting systems.
It’s a clear signal that safeguarding our elections is a national priority — and it reinforces the need for consistent federal investment to help local officials meet these new expectations.
That’s why I’m encouraging Congress to restore $400 million in federal election security funding through the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in the FY 2026 budget. These funds are critical to strengthening cyber defenses, upgrading systems, and making sure every jurisdiction — regardless of size — has the tools to protect its elections.
Alabama is fortunate to have strong voices in Washington, including Sen. Katie Britt and Congressman Robert Aderholt, both of whom serve on key appropriations committees. I appreciate all the work they have done on this issue and encourage them to continue to champion this funding in the FY26 budget and ensure our state’s election officials can meet the moment.
The risk of foreign interference isn’t going away. But we know how to stay ahead — through preparation, investment, and action. Protecting the integrity of a matter of national security and our lawmakers should invest in it accordingly.
Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville, represents District 81 in the Alabama House of Representatives.
