Auditor General DePasquale Says Russian Hacking Indictments Underscore Importance of Voting Security Audit
Auditor General DePasquale Says Russian Hacking Indictments Underscore Importance of Voting Security Audit
HARRISBURG (July 13, 2018) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today said the U.S. Deputy Attorney General’s announcement about Russia’s attempts to hack state election systems in the 2016 election further emphasizes the importance of his department’s work to safeguard Pennsylvania’s voting security.
“The integrity of our entire election system is at stake,” DePasquale said. “We simply cannot allow Russian operatives to undermine our country’s democratic process.”
In June, DePasquale announced his team would audit the Department of State’s Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) in an effort to — among other things — review security protocols, evaluate the system’s accuracy, and assess external and internal controls.
The audit is part of an agreement with the Department of State and mirrors legislation introduced by Sen. Kim Ward. That legislation passed unanimously in the Senate — an indicator of broad bipartisan support for this critical undertaking.
“Today’s indictments serve as a chilling reminder: As outside forces attempt to destabilize our voting system, we must do everything in our power to make sure every eligible citizen who chooses to exercise their right vote can do so securely.
“As I said last month, my audit will be done in time for the Department of State and county election offices to implement the recommendations before the 2020 election. I appreciate the support of Governor Wolf and his administration in our efforts to complete this audit in a timely manner.
“Now more than ever, the importance of this work cannot be overstated.”
More information about the voting security audit can be found at: www.PaAuditor.gov.
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