The state’s top auditor is taking steps that he believes will improve voting security in Pennsylvania before the 2020 election.
Auditor General Eugene DePasquale says this all stems from a report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that found Pennsylvania was one of 21 states targeted by Russians who tried to hack into election systems ahead of the 2016 election.
“There is zero question that Russians tried to interfere with the 2016 election process in Pennsylvania and other states,” DePasquale said. “I want to use the power of my office to help make sure Pennsylvania is doing everything it can to have a fair and secure election.”
DePasquale has assigned an audit team to immediately begin looking at he state’s voter registration system to help enhance voter security before the 2020 election.
The audit, which will cover January 2016 through the end of the audit, will focus on the Department of State’s Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) and include the following objectives:
- Review of security protocols of the SURE system;
- Assessment of whether records maintained with the SURE system are accurate and in accordance with the Help America Vote Act and Pennsylvania law;
- Evaluation of the process for input and maintenance of voter registration records;
- Review of the efficiency and accuracy of the SURE system;
- Review of the internal controls, methodology for internal audits and internal audits review process;
- Review of the external controls, methodology for the issuance of directives and guidance to the counties by DOS regarding voter registration and list maintenance, and
- Any other relevant information or recommendations related to the accuracy, operability, and efficiency of the SURE system, as determined by the Auditor General.
“We will complete the audit in time so that the Department of State and county election offices can implement any recommendations prior to the 2020 election,” DePasquale said.
The Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors is a centralized voter registration and election management system used by the Department of State and maintained by the election authorities in each county.
