Alaska lawmakers discuss expanding election cybersecurity and ballot tracking systems

The Alaska State Legislature's Senate State Affairs Committee convened on March 27, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 64, focusing on election administration and cybersecurity measures. Key discussions highlighted the need for a nonpartisan approach to election security, emphasizing that elected officials, such as the lieutenant governor, should not directly manage these responsibilities. Concerns were raised that involving politicians could undermine public trust in the electoral system.

A suggestion was made to assign cybersecurity oversight to the director of the Division of Elections rather than to elected officials. Additionally, the scope of cybersecurity measures was critiqued for being too narrow, as it currently only covers voter registration records. Advocates called for an expansion to include vote tabulation systems, which are crucial for ensuring the integrity of election results.

The committee also explored the implementation of a ballot tracking system, likening it to tracking packages from delivery services. Director Carol Beecher of the Alaska Division of Elections confirmed that the division is working on a system to provide voters with updates on their ballots, although challenges remain in tracking delivery dates accurately.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public testimony, allowing citizens to contribute their thoughts on the proposed legislation. The committee encouraged written submissions to ensure broader community engagement in the legislative process. Overall, the discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing election security and transparency in Alaska's electoral processes.