During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the security of election systems in New Mexico and Georgia. A whistleblower report highlighted alarming vulnerabilities in the New Mexico election system, specifically regarding the encryption keys that are crucial for safeguarding election integrity. The report, shared by Danny Snyder from Stanson News, indicated that these encryption keys are allegedly accessible to hackers, posing a serious risk of unauthorized access and potential manipulation of election results.

The discussion referenced a lawsuit filed by the DeKalb County Republican Party against Georgia's Secretary of State, which underscores similar security issues. The lawsuit claims that the Dominion voting system, which is used in both states, fails to adequately protect these encryption keys, storing them in an unprotected state within the election database. This breach of security protocols could allow individuals with access to the voting systems to alter election outcomes without detection, contravening federal requirements for election security.

In addition to the election security discussions, the meeting also featured comments from Jeffrey Steele, a representative of Ironworkers Local 495. Steele advocated for funding to support apprenticeship programs, emphasizing the need for skilled personnel in the workforce. He urged the commissioners to consider incorporating language that promotes registered apprenticeship programs in future projects, highlighting their potential to address the current shortage of skilled workers.

The meeting underscored critical issues surrounding election security and workforce development, both of which have significant implications for the state's governance and economic stability.