Election interference involves attempts to disrupt the electoral process or promote partisan objectives. It can be conducted by domestic or foreign actors, and it may be motivated by economic or geopolitical goals. Election interference can occur in digital and real-world channels. In the digital realm, the threat is heightened by cyberattacks and information operations. In the real world, the threat can be heightened by intimidation and the spreading of racially inflamed fearmongering.
It is vital that states are ready to prevent and counter any interference that threatens the integrity of elections. This must include enhancing state-level preparedness and increasing coordination between law enforcement agencies and local election officials. This includes empowering state and local officials to refuse illegal requests for access to their elections systems or equipment.
In addition, the US must build greater transparency and resilience in the information space. This should involve boosting public awareness of the tactics employed by interference groups, e.g. through the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s public bulletins and regular security updates. This should be complemented by proactive strategic communications, including ‘pre-bunking’.
Lastly, it is important to remember that the views of foreign governments and citizens do not stop at the US borders, and voters should be able to take them into consideration when formulating their votes, as they would any other information about candidates or campaigns. In fact, the recent experience in Romania, where a TikTok campaign appeared to have influenced voters by stoking fear about noncitizen voting and invoking white supremacy ideologies, suggests that this kind of interference can be weaponized to undermine the legitimacy of democratic processes.