Technology & Security in Elections Flashcards

Why is cybersecurity critical in modern elections?

Answer: To prevent digital threats and unauthorized access to systems

Cybersecurity is paramount in modern elections to protect the integrity and confidentiality of election systems and data. It safeguards against malicious attacks like hacking, ransomware, and data breaches that could compromise voter registration databases, voting machines, or election results. Robust cybersecurity measures ensure that election processes remain secure, accurate, and trustworthy.

Which system is used to manage registered voters electronically?

Answer: Electronic Voter Registration System (EVRS)

An Electronic Voter Registration System (EVRS) is a database and software platform specifically designed to manage voter information. It allows election officials to register new voters, update existing records, verify eligibility, and maintain an accurate and current list of registered voters. This system is fundamental for efficient and secure election administration.

What is the purpose of a risk-limiting audit?

Answer: To verify vote counts and ensure accuracy

A risk-limiting audit (RLA) is a post-election audit method designed to provide strong statistical evidence that the reported election outcome is correct. By manually examining a statistically significant sample of paper ballots, RLAs can detect if the reported outcome is wrong and correct it before certification. This process enhances public confidence in election results by verifying the accuracy of vote counts.

What role does encryption play in election technology?

Answer: It secures election data by making it unreadable to unauthorized users

Encryption is a vital cybersecurity measure in election technology that transforms sensitive election data into a coded format. This makes the data unreadable and unusable to anyone without the correct decryption key, thereby protecting it from unauthorized access, tampering, or disclosure. Encryption is essential for safeguarding voter registration information, ballot data, and election results during transmission and storage.

Which agency supports election cybersecurity?

Answer: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a U.S. federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security. CISA works with state and local election officials to protect election infrastructure from cyber and physical threats. They provide resources, guidance, and threat intelligence to enhance the security and resilience of election systems nationwide.

What is multi-factor authentication in election systems?

Answer: A security measure requiring multiple identity verifications

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security enhancement that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to an election system or account. This typically involves something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a security token or phone), and/or something the user is (like a fingerprint). MFA significantly strengthens security by making it much harder for unauthorized individuals to access sensitive election data or systems.

What type of testing is essential before deploying voting systems?

Answer: Logic and accuracy testing to validate system reliability

Logic and accuracy (L&A) testing is a critical pre-election procedure performed on voting machines and systems. This testing verifies that the equipment correctly counts votes, accurately records choices, and functions as programmed. It ensures that every ballot style and contest is properly configured, validating the system's reliability and integrity before it is used in an actual election.

Why are paper ballots important even in electronic voting?

Answer: To provide a verifiable backup in case of discrepancies

Paper ballots, even when used alongside electronic voting machines (e.g., voter-verifiable paper audit trails), are crucial for election integrity. They provide a physical, auditable record of every vote cast, serving as a verifiable backup. In the event of a recount, system malfunction, or suspected discrepancy, these paper ballots can be manually reviewed to confirm or correct electronic tallies, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

Which method protects election systems from internet-based threats?

Answer: Air-gapping to isolate systems from online access

Air-gapping is a robust cybersecurity measure that physically isolates a computer or network from other networks, especially the internet. In election systems, air-gapping critical components like vote tabulation machines ensures they cannot be accessed or compromised by internet-based threats such as hacking or malware. This physical separation provides a strong defense against remote cyberattacks, enhancing the security of election results.