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Introducing ElectionRAMP:
Building a Resilient, Secure, and Trustworthy Election Infrastructure
I was writing something up for the mahanow.org website, but they closed down nominees. You can find the submission at cdgroup.org/ElectionRAMP.h…
Perhaps if @VivekGRamaswamy @RobertKennedyJr @elonmusk see this we can make this a thing. I would love the honor to make sure it is done right, but it is more important it gets done at all. I am happy to give the full details to anyone that can help make it a reality. Anyway without further ado.
What is ElectionRAMP:
In the United States, election security is currently a patchwork of disparate standards, guidelines, and practices that vary from state to state. While federal guidance exists, there is no consistent, mandatory framework ensuring that each state’s election technology, procedures, and infrastructure are uniformly secure and transparent. This lack of standardization has created vulnerabilities that could undermine public trust in the democratic process.
The Problem: Inconsistent Security Practices Across States
Each state currently approaches election security differently, with some adopting federal guidelines and others setting their own standards. Federal programs like the Election Assistance Commission’s (EAC) Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) and CISA’s recommendations have made significant progress, but they are not mandatory, and states are left to interpret and implement them as they see fit. This creates critical gaps in both cybersecurity and physical security, as well as inconsistencies in chain-of-custody protocols.
The Solution: ElectionRAMP
ElectionRAMP would establish a standardized, comprehensive framework for election infrastructure security, bringing together cybersecurity, physical security, and procedural integrity into one cohesive system. Inspired by the FedRAMP model, which sets cybersecurity standards for federal cloud services, ElectionRAMP would create consistent, enforceable standards for any system used in federal elections.
How ElectionRAMP Would Work:
Rigorous Cybersecurity Standards:
ElectionRAMP would mandate advanced cybersecurity protocols for all election technology, including voter databases, voting machines, and tabulation systems. This would include encryption standards, multi-factor authentication, and intrusion detection.
Physical Security and Chain of Custody:
Recognizing that physical security is as crucial as digital protection, ElectionRAMP would set standards for securing voting equipment, storage facilities, and transport processes. Chain-of-custody protocols would ensure that all election materials are accounted for at each stage of the process, from setup to vote counting.
Certification and Accreditation for Vendors:
Just as FedRAMP certifies cloud service providers, ElectionRAMP would establish a certification process for election technology vendors. This would include thorough security assessments, periodic audits, and re-certification to ensure vendors continually meet evolving standards.
Dedicated Support and Training for State and Local Officials:
ElectionRAMP would include a training and compliance office to support election officials at the state and local levels. This office would offer guidance, resources, and ongoing compliance checks to help local officials meet and maintain ElectionRAMP standards.
Transparency and Public Confidence:
ElectionRAMP would prioritize transparency and accountability by establishing clear reporting requirements for states and vendors. Election officials and technology providers would submit regular reports detailing compliance with ElectionRAMP standards, including updates on cybersecurity measures, physical security protocols, and audit results. This reporting framework would create a transparent process that’s open to public review, reinforcing public confidence in the security of our elections.
Additionally, through the Election Transparency and Education Office, ElectionRAMP would make summaries of these reports available to the public, offering clear, accessible information on the status of election system security and certified technologies. This office would work to communicate ElectionRAMP’s ongoing efforts and improvements, helping build a foundation of trust and transparency in the election process.
The Impact of ElectionRAMP:
With ElectionRAMP, we can move beyond a fragmented approach and create a unified, resilient election infrastructure. This framework would build public trust, knowing that every vote is secure and every process transparent, regardless of the state in which it occurs. By creating a consistent and robust approach, we can safeguard our democracy for future generations.
The Path Forward
Now is the time to bring ElectionRAMP into action. Through collaboration between federal agencies, state governments, and private vendors, we can create a more secure, transparent, and resilient election infrastructure. Leaders, election officials, and policymakers—let’s work together to make ElectionRAMP a reality.
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