Issue Brief: How State Legislators Can Protect Election Integrity and Security

The federal government is retreating from its role of coordinating election security support and oversight. At the same time, state lawmakers are stepping up to ensure that elections remain secure, accessible, and trusted. These efforts reflect a growing movement among states to assert their authority, protect democratic institutions, and maintain public confidence in elections.

This issue brief by State Futures and the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law outlines state legislators’ core tools to strengthen election security and integrity — legislation, over- sight and investigatory powers, strategic communications, and partnerships with other state government officials. It is intended to serve as a practical reference for deploying state authority to defend election systems and the right to vote.