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State of security: Maine

Who's in charge: Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap

In a somewhat counterintuitive move, Maine is banking on its low-tech approach to voting to help keep those looking to influence the upcoming elections at bay, although at the same time it is investing federal dollars into boosting its overall cybersecurity standing.

Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap said earlier this year to MainPublic.org that his state’s voting system can be considered relatively secure because it is low-tech. Instead of using a variety or electronic devices it relies primarily on paper ballots and counting machines that are not connected to the internet. Also, people registering to vote cannot do so online, but must show up in person at their local town clerk’s office.

There are a couple of issues Maine is facing that could cause some concern. The state did not undergo a DHS assessment of its electoral system, but officials noted the system used to send voter registration data digital is closed and password protected. In addition, the state has conducted training to teach staff members how to avoid phishing schemes, which could be used to steal login credentials to the voting apparatus.

The state received $3.3 million in federal funds which it intends to spend on improving cybersecurity of the state's central voter registration system while training municipal election officials.

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