Elections officials to consider security upgrades, outreach

By: Associated Press//August 13, 2019//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Elections Commission will consider spending up to $810,000 to improve local clerks’ computer security and start an outreach program to dispel myths about election security.

The commission’s staff has warned the panel that scores of clerks use outdated computer systems or aren’t installing security patches, leaving Wisconsin’s election system vulnerable to possibly devastating cyberattacks.

The staff has recommended buying software that can test clerks’ vulnerabilities remotely, loaning clerks up-to-date computers and setting up a new position to provide technical support for clerks. The staff also has proposed hiring the Madison-based advertising firm KW2 to inform people about election security and dispel common misconceptions about ballot security and tallying.

The commission is scheduled to consider the proposals on Tuesday.

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