In a pivotal meeting held on February 22, 2025, in Room 322 of the New Mexico Legislature, state officials gathered to address pressing concerns regarding election security and funding. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as discussions unfolded about the implications of diminishing federal support for cybersecurity measures essential to safeguarding the state's electoral processes.

Senator Hava raised alarms about the potential loss of approximately $1 million in annual funding from the federal government, which has been crucial for enhancing both cyber systems and physical security. This funding, part of the Help America Vote Act, has been instrumental in providing tools for penetration testing and monitoring unusual internet activity—services that are now at risk due to the dismantling of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

The Secretary of State's office, represented by Secretary of State, emphasized the critical nature of these services, noting that without them, the state would face significant challenges in maintaining the integrity of its elections. The Secretary revealed that the current budget request of $890,000 does not account for the additional costs that may arise from losing federal support, leaving a substantial gap in funding for necessary cybersecurity measures.

As the meeting progressed, CFO Justin O'Shea elaborated on the potential financial impact, estimating that the state could incur several hundred thousand dollars in additional costs if it were to lose the services previously provided by CISA. The urgency of the situation was palpable, with officials acknowledging the need for immediate action to secure the necessary funding to ensure elections remain safe, fair, and accessible.

The discussion also touched on the importance of protecting sensitive voter information, which includes personal data such as Social Security numbers. The Secretary reassured attendees that, while there have been attempts by foreign entities to access this information, New Mexico has not experienced any breaches to date. However, the threat remains, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

As the meeting drew to a close, the Secretary indicated that the office would need to reprioritize its budget to cover the costs of essential services like vulnerability testing and monitoring, which were previously provided at no cost by the federal government. The officials left the meeting with a clear understanding of the challenges ahead, committed to finding solutions to ensure the state's election infrastructure remains secure amid a shifting federal landscape.

With the clock ticking and the next election cycle approaching, the urgency for adequate funding and resources has never been more critical. The discussions from this meeting will likely shape the future of election security in New Mexico, as officials work to navigate the complexities of funding and cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world.