TEXAS ELECTION SECURITY: HOW PREPARED ARE COUNTY OFFICIALS TO DEFEND AGAINST CYBER THREATS TO ELECTORAL INFRASTRUCTURE?

How prepared are county officials to defend against cyber threats to electoral infrastructure? To answer this question, research was conducted in Texas by collecting data on our recent national elections. The study included interviews performed with election officials from three counties in the state of Texas, who are tasked with safeguarding our electoral infrastructure. This thesis explores problems or threats associated with the various voting technologies used to better understand the vulnerabilities that have previously caused election interference from foreign actors. The thesis aims to explore whether county officials in Texas are prepared to secure elections, protect voter information, and defend against cyberattacks or foreign interference. Ultimately, it will offer recommendations on how to defend against future attacks by recommending measures to protect the electoral infrastructure and the American democracy.