Key facts
- DHS is threatening to withhold grant funding from states over election security requirements.
- A federal judge ruled the administration cannot tie anti-terrorism grants to election administration.
- DHS stated election infrastructure is a national priority area for critical infrastructure protection.
- States must take steps to protect elections to receive full Homeland Security Grant Program awards.
- DHS did not provide specifics on the new requirements.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is threatening to withhold grant funding from states unless they comply with new election security requirements. This action follows a Monday ruling by a federal judge that stated the administration cannot tie anti-terrorism grants to how state and local governments administer elections.
While Secretary Markwayne Mullin did not directly comment on federal funding at a press conference on Wednesday, DHS later issued a statement clarifying that states' access to Homeland Security Grant Program awards could be jeopardized if they do not meet the department's broad mandate for securing U.S. elections.