Abstract

Technology plays an increasingly large role in the electoral process — from registration, to casting ballots, to vote tabulation. These advances carry many positive consequences for voters and for administrators. However, technological tools also carry unique vulnerabilities ranging from simple user error to tabulation manipulation. Therefore, this work outlines the institutional environment around technology in election administration, discusses resources that have recently been created by states and the federal government to support technology, and examines efforts to mitigate and prepare for vulnerabilities. Our analysis shows that states have taken a varied approach to addressing the issue of cybersecurity readiness. These results not only speak to the study of election administration but also bear consequences for practitioners in the field.