Letter to the Hon. Kirstjen M. Nielsen - Evaluate Statewide Electoral Systems

Letter

Dear Secretary Nielsen:

We are writing to express our strong support for the State of Maryland's request for federal assistance regarding the Maryland State Board of Elections, pursuant to the letter of July 13, 2018 from Governor Larry Hogan, Senate President Mike Miller, and House Speaker Michael Busch.

Given the unanimous assessment of the Intelligence Community that Russia interfered in our 2016 presidential election, all levels of our government must take every necessary precaution to preserve the security and integrity of America's free and fair elections. American elections are a hallmark of our democratic system and a cornerstone of the rule of law. We understand that federal law enforcement officials briefed the Maryland Board of Elections regarding a vendor contracted to provide voter registration infrastructure and other services, and that company had been acquired by a parent company with financial ties to a Russian national.

We therefore strongly support the State of Maryland's request that the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Cybersecurity and Communications provide the State of Maryland with technical assistance to evaluate the network utilized by the Maryland State Board of Elections. Specifically, DHS can help assist the State of Maryland in evaluating network security, auditing network integrity, and providing additional support and services deemed necessary and appropriate by the Maryland State Board of Elections.

We thank you for your expeditious consideration of our request and look forward to continuing to work with you to safeguard American elections.