In a tense atmosphere at the Washington Legislature, the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee convened on March 14, 2025, to address pressing concerns surrounding election security amid significant federal changes. Secretary of State Steve Hobger, accompanied by Kylie Zabel, head of the Information Security Response division, delivered a sobering briefing on the current state of election security and the potential impacts of recent federal cuts to vital support services.

Hobger emphasized the critical role elections play in democracy, stating, "Elections are the foundation of our democracy," and highlighted the collaborative effort required from local, state, and federal governments to safeguard this foundation. He expressed alarm over the increasing threats from nation-state actors, including Russia and China, who are actively targeting election systems. The Secretary recounted a recent incident where Clark County faced a cyber attack, underscoring the urgency of maintaining robust security measures.

The meeting revealed a growing anxiety among committee members regarding the federal government's recent decision to cut funding for the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI ISAC). This center has been instrumental in providing cybersecurity support to state and local election offices. Zabel detailed the timeline of these changes, noting that key personnel were placed on administrative leave, leading to a chilling effect on engagements with election officials. The cancellation of crucial briefings and the termination of funding for essential services raised alarms about the future of election security.

As the committee members listened intently, Hobger and Zabel painted a picture of uncertainty. They warned that the cuts could severely impact the ability of election offices to respond to threats, particularly as the nation approaches critical election years. "The changes at the federal level have given election offices tremendous pause," Zabel stated, highlighting the anxiety felt across the country.

The Secretary called for immediate action, urging legislators to advocate for the restoration of federal services and funding to ensure the integrity of elections. "We are being squeezed by both ends," Hobger lamented, referencing the dual pressures from federal cuts and state budget constraints. He expressed hope that bipartisan efforts among secretaries of state could lead to a restoration of necessary services.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were left grappling with the implications of these developments. The uncertainty surrounding federal support for election security looms large, with both Hobger and Zabel emphasizing the need for transparency and proactive measures to reassure voters. The stakes are high, and as the nation navigates this shifting landscape, the call for vigilance and collaboration has never been more urgent.