MaineSOS

Good morning and happy Election Day from Buxton! Polls opened here at 6 am. Seeing lots of voter enthusiasm!

Happy Election Hero Day! Give the election workers you see this week an extra smile and word of thanks for their dedication.

@mudlock This actually highlights something we put a lot of thought into – ovals on either side of the paper aren’t aligned behind each other, so that if ink seeps through, it can’t be misread as a vote. The correct paper weight is important for tabulator reading accuracy.

I know, it doesn’t look like much. Except this is ink seeping THROUGH my Maine absentee ballot. How is this acceptable paper for this oh-so-important use? Something @MESecOfState needs to know about.

Thank you so much for having us join you! Just like Maine, Rhode Island has some great student leaders.

#DYK Several states offer Honor Vote/Vote in Honor of a Veteran programs, where voters can show their appreciation for service members? Learn more by reading @NASSorg’s newest issue paper here ➡️🔗: nass.org/sites/default/…

Planning to register to vote at maine.gov/vote? Do it today! The last day the online tool will be available before the 11/5 General Election is TODAY, Tuesday, 10/15. And remember, same day voter registration is available up to and including on Election Day! #mepolitics

Well would you look at that! 👀 @MESecOfState reports that Maine's online voter registration system hit an all time activity record last week on #NationalVoterRegistrationDay! 🥳 You truly are "The Way Life Should Be" 🌅🫎🗳️ mainemorningstar.com/briefs/voter-r…

@NASSorg Remember - if it sounds too bizarre to be true or too good to be true, it might be disinformation. Get the facts. Get #TrustedInfo2024

@NASSorg We love how @NASSorg and #TrustedInfo2024 help us get the word out and encourage people to seek out official sources of information like Maine.gov/sos or their local government websites to get the facts.

Q5⃣: In closing, how does @NASSorg’s #TrustedInfo2024 effort help further your own election security messaging efforts to your constituencies?

@LtGovWay @NASSorg We love this phrase Lt Governor Way - elections are indeed “managed with care.” #TrustedInfo2024

@NASSorg A4: Our elections are secure, thanks to the dedicated efforts of election officials working tirelessly behind the scenes. Every step of the process is managed with care, allowing voters to confidently fulfill our civic duty, knowing votes will be counted fairly. #TrustedInfo2024

Q4⃣: What’s the #TrustedInfo2024 you wished all Americans knew about election security heading into the November 5 general election?

@VerifyOhio @NASSorg That’s right, Secretary LaRose, there is so much rigorous testing and well constructed checks and balances to keep our elections safe and secure.

A4 We want all Americans to know that our election systems are secure. We have various security measures in place and conduct rigorous testing to protect against man made threats. Election officials work tirelessly to ensure that every vote is counted accurately and that our democratic process remains strong and trustworthy. #TrustedInfo2024

@NASSorg I am completely confident that while we may agree to disagree on certain voting laws, EVERY Secretary of State is committed to cybersecurity and free, fair and secure elections. #TrustedInfo2024

@NASSorg I wish Americans knew how much chief election officials across the nation talk to each other to share ideas. While campaigns are contentious and partisan, quality election administration is pretty collaborative. #TrustedInfo2024

@MNSecofState @NASSorg 💯 agreed, Secretary Simon! Our local clerks are our eyes and ears on the ground working hard to protect our elections.

@NASSorg (2/2) Further, with their statewide distribution, these local officials will likely be the first to notice any security concerns and can benefit the larger whole by rapidly sharing their observations, issues, and concerns.

Q3⃣: Who is your most valuable election security partner & why? #TrustedInfo2024

@NASSorg While local clerks are 🥇 our state partners including law enforcement and @MaineEMA and our federal partners like @CISAgov and @EACgov are working hard to support safe and secure elections #TrustedInfo2024

@NASSorg Our most valuable election security partners are our local clerks who work hard every day to ensure free, safe and secure elections. #TrustedInfo2024

@IowaSOS @NASSorg This is so important, Secretary Pate. In Maine, our cybersecurity and infrastructure security team does the same!

@NASSorg (1/5) We take a layered approach to physical and cybersecurity in Iowa. We’re constantly monitoring the cyberthreat landscape and evolving strategies to meet changing needs.

Q1⃣: What’s the top election cybersecurity issue on which you & your teams are most focused on right now? #TrustedInfo2024

@NASSorg In Maine, AI hasn’t fundamentally changed how we approach election security except it has heightened the need to ensure the public has #TrustedInfo2024 because it’s easier than ever to manufacture and spread lies.

Q2⃣: Has the rise of artificial intelligence changed how you generally approach the issue of election security? #TrustedInfo2024

@NASSorg 3. Training our users to use strong passwords and guard against phishing or smishing. #TrustedInfo2024

@NASSorg 2. Safeguarding the central voter registration system and online voter registration from hacking by criminals.