DHS Secretary Mullin links federal election funding to security regulations

Homeland Security Emphasizes Election Security Compliance

Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin stated on Friday that states not adhering to the election security requirements of the Trump administration risk losing federal funding. He also cautioned that election officials who disregard information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could face fines or even imprisonment.

“An election official who fails to provide the required information for securing elections may be held accountable, including facing potential fines or jail time,” Mullin remarked. This comment followed a press conference where he addressed the nation after President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of a “free and fair” election. However, Mullin didn’t specify which laws election officials might violate or what specific charges could be brought against those who ignore guidance from DHS.

During his address, President Trump revealed the declassification of intelligence operations which he claims will expose “alarming vulnerabilities” in areas like hacking and foreign interference.

Mullin provided context about the DHS SAVE program, noting that 23 states are currently involved. This initiative enables election officials to align voter records with federal immigration data. He mentioned that CISA will present an updated plan on election infrastructure within the next month. Some Republican-led states, such as Mississippi, North Dakota, and West Virginia, have not joined this program.

Mullin questioned the reluctance of states that have yet to participate, asking, “What are they afraid of? This is straightforward; it’s not a partisan issue.” Additionally, he indicated that DHS has set election security prerequisites for those receiving FEMA Homeland Security grants. He is also collaborating with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on security standards.

The DHS has claimed to have pinpointed roughly 250,000 voter registration records across California, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania that it believes belong to non-citizens.

Mullin reiterated the necessity for all states to partake in the Election Security Program, which allows officials to cross-check voter rolls against federal databases to flag potentially ineligible registrations.

Mullin expressed support for the SAVE America Act, urging Congress to adopt stringent measures that include requiring proof of citizenship and photo identification for federal election registration. “I really think this act should be prioritized,” he added.

However, Senate Minority Leader John Thune mentioned that Republicans currently lack the necessary votes to pass this legislation, raising skepticism about its future.