Letter to the editor: Protecting America’s elections requires stable funding
Voting is the foundation of our country. Trust in that process makes our democracy strong; distrust erodes it. For Pennsylvanians – and for Americans everywhere – that trust depends on elections being run fairly, securely, and consistently. Predictable federal funding is one of the clearest ways to preserve that trust today and strengthen it for future generations.
While serving as a Bucks County commissioner, I saw how vital it was for citizens to believe the system works. Pennsylvania often finds itself at the center of national debates about election integrity, making public confidence especially important. Local election workers — our neighbors — serve with diligence and integrity, but they cannot build lasting trust on short-term, stop-and-go federal funding.
Congress has already shown what works. In 2018 and 2020, lawmakers provided $400 million to states to replace outdated machines, strengthen cybersecurity, and train poll workers. Those investments made a difference. Since then, there has been a steady decline in federal funding, making it particularly challenging for officials to plan multi-year improvements and leaving gaps that voters notice and adversaries exploit.
The risks of failing to invest are very real. Foreign adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran continue to probe U.S. election systems, looking for weaknesses through cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. In recent years, these countries have turned to artificial intelligence to supercharge these efforts, producing convincing false content at unprecedented scale. Without predictable, long-term federal investment, jurisdictions cannot modernize equipment or strengthen cyber defenses in a timely way — and foreign adversaries are quick to exploit the vulnerabilities left behind.
Just as we invest steadily in roads, bridges, or national defense, we must do the same for election infrastructure and security. Federal support paired with local discretion ensures resources are targeted where they are most needed, whether in a large urban county or a rural township.
Predictable, sustained funding is a matter of national trust. When voters see that leaders are investing in stable elections, confidence grows; and when that investment falters, doubt takes root. Consistent funding ensures officials can modernize equipment on schedule, strengthen cyber defenses before threats escalate, and recruit and train the workers who make elections possible. For Pennsylvania and for the nation, the path forward is clear – reliable investment is the key to safeguarding elections, strengthening public faith, and ensuring America’s democratic foundation endures.
Congress now has the chance to look beyond short-term fixes and create a reliable funding framework. Doing so would honor the trust Americans place in their vote, empower local leaders to plan responsibly, and send a lasting message to the world that America’s elections will remain secure, resilient, and worthy of every voter’s confidence.
Andy Warren, Former Bucks County Commissioner
Middletown Township
