Washington D.C. – As voters prepare to head to the polls this fall, a new threat assessment has revealed the “highest levels of political violence in the U.S. as the 1970s,” accompanied by escalating domestic tensions. The assessment, released by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), stresses the need for heightened vigilance from those responsible for safeguarding the electoral process.
Heightened Threat landscape
Despite this year being considered an “off-year” for major elections, officials are urged to maintain a state of alert. The bulletin emphasizes that even localized or contentious races can become attractive targets for malicious actors. Experts warn that disruptive activities may surge if specific races or ballot initiatives garner substantial public attention, or if external adversaries perceive an opportunity to exploit election outcomes for strategic gain.
John cohen, a former intelligence chief at the Department of Homeland Security and current ABC News contributor, stated that “This year is not typical,” highlighting a sustained pattern of cyberattacks and targeted violence against state and local governments in recent years. He added that foreign and domestic entities could attempt to exploit the 2025 elections to sow discord, undermine faith in governmental institutions, and ignite conflict.
Recent Incidents and Escalating Violence
The warning follows a series of disturbing incidents in recent months, including the alleged vandalization of a mayoral campaign office in Minnesota wiht a threatening message last September. This incident coincided with reports of threats against the candidate, and linked her case to a suspect charged with the murders of two Democratic state lawmakers. Similarly, a Colorado county office experienced an arson attack in September, resulting in damages to Dominion Voting systems and the arrest of a former sheriff candidate.
The trend of political violence extends beyond these cases, as evidenced by the assassination attempt on Charlie kirk, the firebombing of Pennsylvania Governor shapiro’s residence, and multiple incidents targeting the life of former President Donald Trump in the preceding years. Bomb threats also disrupted voting processes during the 2024 election cycle, with origins traced back to Russian email domains.
| Incident | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mayoral Campaign Office Vandalism | Minnesota | September 2025 |
| County Office Arson | Colorado | September 2025 |
| assassination Attempt | Utah | 2025 |
| Residence Firebombing | Pennsylvania | 2025 |
Cybersecurity Threats and Disinformation
The bulletin also highlights the increasing risk of cyberattacks,notably phishing campaigns designed to exploit voter engagement and collect personal details. Such tactics were observed in Texas last month, where voters were targeted with fraudulent text messages requesting personal data. Furthermore, the proliferation of fake news sites originating from foreign sources, such as Russia, poses a threat to the integrity of information surrounding mail-in ballots, polling procedures, and election results.
Did You Know? The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers resources for election officials and voters to identify and report potential cyber threats. Learn more at CISA’s website.
Pro Tip: Always verify information about voting procedures and candidates from official sources before sharing it with others.
Understanding Election Security
Election security involves a multi-layered approach encompassing physical security of polling places, cybersecurity measures to protect voting systems, and efforts to combat disinformation campaigns. Maintaining public trust in the electoral process is paramount for a functioning democracy. Ongoing vigilance and proactive mitigation strategies are essential to address evolving threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is being done to protect elections from cyberattacks? Election officials are implementing enhanced cybersecurity measures, including regular audits of voting systems and partnerships with cybersecurity experts.
- How can I identify misinformation about elections? Look for information from trusted news sources, fact-checking websites, and official election websites.
- What should I do if I suspect election fraud? Report your concerns to local election officials or the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
- Are mail-in ballots secure? Mail-in ballots are subject to various security measures, including signature verification and tracking mechanisms.
- What is the role of the Center for Internet Security (CIS)? CIS provides cybersecurity resources and expertise to state and local governments, including election officials.
What steps do you think are most crucial for safeguarding the integrity of upcoming elections? And how can individuals play a role in combating the spread of misinformation?