Freshness note: This analysis was last updated 26 days ago. Fast-moving policy claims can change quickly, so check for newer official updates before relying on this verdict.

Supported by EvidenceElections

DHS Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's agency plays a role in elections

Published February 19, 2026Updated February 19, 2026

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security has statutory responsibilities for election security infrastructure under federal law. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a component of DHS, was specifically established to coordinate protection of critical infrastructure including election systems designated as such in 2017.

Primary Sources

DHS official page outlining the department's election security responsibilities and coordination with state and local election officials

Federal legislation that elevated CISA within DHS and codified its responsibilities for critical infrastructure protection

January 2017 announcement by DHS Secretary Johnson designating election infrastructure as a subsector of critical infrastructure

CISA - Protect2024Official Statement

CISA initiative describing election security services offered to state and local election officials

GAO report examining federal efforts to assist state and local governments in securing election infrastructure

Evidence Supporting the Claim

  • In January 2017, DHS designated election infrastructure as a critical infrastructure subsector under federal law, establishing formal DHS responsibilities in this area
  • The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, established within DHS in 2018, provides cybersecurity services and support to state and local election officials
  • DHS and CISA coordinate with state and local election officials to share threat intelligence, conduct vulnerability assessments, and provide technical assistance for election systems
  • Federal law assigns DHS responsibility for coordinating protection of critical infrastructure across 16 sectors, which includes election infrastructure since 2017

Evidence Against / Context

  • DHS does not have authority over how states and localities conduct elections, which remains under state jurisdiction as established by the Constitution
  • DHS participation in election security is voluntary and collaborative, requiring requests or cooperation from state and local election officials
  • The primary responsibility for administering elections remains with state and local governments, not federal agencies

Timeline

  • DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson designated election infrastructure as a critical infrastructure subsector

  • Congress passed the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act, establishing CISA within DHS

  • Kristi Noem became Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

What This Means

Structured interpretation — not opinion

  • Key takeaway 1

    DHS has a federally mandated role in election security specifically focused on protecting infrastructure and cybersecurity, though this does not give the agency authority over election administration or policy

  • Key takeaway 2

    The agency's election security role involves voluntary coordination with state and local officials rather than federal control or oversight of election processes

  • Key takeaway 3

    Election infrastructure designation as critical infrastructure places it in the same category as systems like power grids and water systems, focusing DHS involvement on protecting against cyber and physical threats

  • Key takeaway 4

    State and local governments retain constitutional authority over election administration while DHS provides technical cybersecurity support and threat information sharing

Related Claims in Elections

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