Securing the vote: a longitudinal assessment of US election cybersecurity, 2012–2024

Securing election integrity is fundamental to democratic governance and a core responsibility of election administration. Public policy establishes the institutional environment in which electoral systems operate and shapes public trust in electoral outcomes. As digital technologies have become increasingly embedded in voter registration, ballot transmission, and vote tabulation, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical dimension of election governance. Yet systematic knowledge remains limited on how U.S. state and local policies have adapted to evolving cybersecurity challenges. This study addresses that gap by analyzing the adoption and evolution of cybersecurity-related election policies across state and local jurisdictions from 2012 to 2024. The findings reveal how governments respond to emerging digital threats, highlight patterns and divergences in policy adoption, and offer practical insights for strengthening electoral governance. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to enhance election integrity and safeguard democratic institutions.