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Dwayne Bickford is a former executive director of the Maine Republican Party.
With Congress back in session and key decisions ahead on the final fiscal year 2025 appropriations package, now is the time to prioritize election security funding. Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy, and ensuring their security requires ongoing investment in the infrastructure that protects them.
Election systems across the country are aging, leaving them vulnerable to malfunctions and security threats. Without continued investment, we risk relying on outdated technology that may undermine efficiency and public trust. Upgrading election systems can prevent potential breaches and ensure that every vote is accurately counted.
During the first Trump administration, election security was a national priority, with approximately $400 million allocated by Congress in 2018 and 2020. These investments helped state and local election offices modernize infrastructure and address vulnerabilities. In contrast, funding has dropped significantly, with only $55 million allocated in fiscal year 2024.
Fortunately, under Sen. Susan Collins’s leadership on the Senate Appropriations Committee, the committee unanimously advanced a package that includes $75 million for election infrastructure grants. I believe this funding must be preserved and serve as a stepping stone toward restoring the robust investments seen in previous years.
Maine has effectively used federal election security funds in the past, upgrading its Central Voter Registration (CVR) system with enhanced functionality and security features. Federal funds have also supported voter data maintenance projects, ensuring accurate voter rolls, and pilot post-election audits to bolster transparency and trust. These efforts highlight the state’s ability to modernize and address emerging challenges.
However, continued progress depends on sustained federal support. Without adequate funding, states risk falling behind, exposing vulnerabilities that could compromise election integrity.
As a nation, we’ve spent far more on less critical priorities. Election security isn’t just another budget item — it’s an investment in our democracy’s future. The decisions Congress makes in the coming weeks will have lasting consequences.
With Collins’s leadership, the $75 million in election security funding can be a crucial first step in securing and modernizing our elections. By making these investments now, we ensure that our democracy remains strong and trusted for generations to come.
Let’s protect it — for Maine, for our nation, and for the future.
