Please join the Center for American Progress for an armchair conversation with California Secretary of State Alex Padilla on election cyber security and voting rights in an era of misinformation. California recently cemented its status as a leading laboratory for empowering voters and securing elections. Led by Padilla, the state undertook massive efforts to upgrade its election systems, combat misinformation, and empower voters to exercise their right to vote.
Padilla will discuss the foundation of California’s Office of Elections Cybersecurity, voting systems upgrades, and how states can partner with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure election security against continuing threats.
The threats to U.S. democracy remain very real. In October 2018, the director of national intelligence, U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, and DHS issued a joint statement highlighting the threat posed by Russia and other actors in upcoming elections. The Justice Department recently charged a Russian national for her alleged role in a Russian influence operation targeting the 2018 midterms.
Following brief remarks, Secretary Padilla will be joined in an armchair conversation by CAP Senior Fellow Max Bergmann.
Introductory remarks:
Jacob Leibenluft, Executive Vice President for Policy, Center for American Progress
Keynote remarks and conversation:
Alex Padilla, California Secretary of State
Moderator:
Max Bergmann, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress