Oregon Secretary of State addresses election complaint backlog and cybersecurity funding needs

During a recent meeting of the Oregon State Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government, significant discussions centered around the management of election complaints and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.

One of the primary concerns raised was the increasing backlog of election complaints, which has reportedly been growing faster than the capacity to address them. The Secretary of State acknowledged the challenge, noting that while progress is being made, a substantial backlog remains due to inherited issues and an anticipated surge in complaints related to upcoming changes in campaign finance laws. The committee emphasized the importance of having adequate resources and processes in place to manage both the existing backlog and the expected influx of new complaints.

In addition to addressing complaints, the committee discussed the need for improved cybersecurity infrastructure. A proposal was made to allocate $500,000 to enhance threat monitoring and cybersecurity measures for the Secretary of State's office and county election officials. This funding aims to bolster the state's defenses against potential threats, especially in light of reduced federal support for election security.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral process. The Secretary of State reassured committee members that Oregon leads the nation in voter turnout and is committed to ensuring clean voter rolls and accurate vote counting.

Furthermore, the committee considered the establishment of an internal audit position within the Secretary of State's office to ensure ongoing oversight and accountability, particularly during transitions in leadership. This position is seen as essential for maintaining high standards of performance and transparency.

As Oregon prepares for future elections, these discussions underscore the state's commitment to addressing electoral challenges and enhancing the integrity of its voting systems, ultimately aiming to foster public confidence in the electoral process.