Trump Administration Reduces CISA Election Staff
The federal agency has placed over a dozen security workers on leave amid shifts in oversight of national election processes.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
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The Trump administration has reduced the workforce at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and placed more than a dozen election security workers on leave. These changes coincide with a push for new federal oversight requirements including proof of citizenship for voting.
Why it matters
The federal government has also adjusted its communication with local officials as it prioritizes restructuring the agency's workforce. These shifts impact the technical expertise and support provided to states regarding vulnerability scanning for election systems.
A survey of 430 election officials showed some reported reduced contact or training opportunities with CISA. While three-quarters of respondents reported no effect on election prep, others noted a decline in federal assistance.
The players
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
This federal agency provides technical expertise, security support, and vulnerability scanning services to election officials across the country.
Jen Easterly
She serves as a key official who has addressed the state of federal and local partnerships regarding election security.
Department of Justice
This federal department is responsible for enforcing laws and has requested access to state-level voter rolls for immigration data comparisons.
The details
The administration is currently pursuing the SAVE America Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship and photo identification for federal voting. Additionally, the Department of Justice has requested access to state voter rolls to compare them against national immigration data.
Timeline
Jen Easterly discussed federal and local election security partnerships in 2024.
This report on election administration changes was published on October 20, 2026.
The next midterm elections are scheduled for November 2026.
Political Context
Opponents and various advocacy groups argue that the SAVE America Act places undue burdens on voters and threatens the autonomy of state election processes. Critics also raise concerns that reducing CISA staff undermines the agency's ability to defend against potential foreign interference.
Local election offices may experience changes in federal training availability and technical support for security vulnerabilities. These shifts in federal oversight could ultimately influence the resources and administrative processes that jurisdictions rely on for conducting federal elections.
The takeaway
The recent staffing adjustments at CISA reflect a broader change in the federal government's approach to election oversight. Election officials are adjusting to new federal priorities as the country prepares for the upcoming midterm elections in November.
Further reading
For broader context on federal oversight and national voting standards, visit the United States Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOAT 7.
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