October, 11 2018, 12:00am EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Mike Stankiewicz, Public Citizen, mstankiewicz@citizen.org, (202) 588-7779
Aurora Matthews, Verified Voting, aurora@newheightscommunications.com, (301) 221-7984
Alexandra Ringe, Brennan Center for Justice, alexandra.ringe@nyu.edu, (646) 925-8744
'From Hackers With Love': What Would an Attack on the U.S. Elections Look Like?
Election Experts to Discuss How Hackers Might Target Voter Rolls, Registration in the 2018 Elections; What Signs to Look for and How to Respond
WASHINGTON
WHAT: Verified Voting, the Brennan Center and Public Citizen will hold a telepresser and webinar on Monday, Oct. 15 to discuss what a hacking of the 2018 election system might look like. Hackers have different avenues they could take from altering voter registration rolls, to disrupting websites or even changing vote counts. Signs of an attack might be obvious, such as if votes disappear, or subtle, like voting tallies not matching exit polls.
Speakers will give examples of what systems hackers might target and how election officials will be able to determine if a hack occurs, as well as how to respond to hacks. There are several actions voters and election officials still can take before the election to ensure minimal disruption to voting, even if a hack or computer error occurs. Experts also will address what states have done since 2016 to improve election security.
This briefing comes as states have had wide-ranging responses to calls to implement additional election security following the 2016 elections.
WHO: Marian Schneider, president of the Verified Voting Foundation and former deputy secretary for election and administration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Lawrence Norden, deputy director of the Brennan Center's Democracy Program
Aquene Freechild, co-director of Public Citizen's Democracy Is For People Campaign
WHEN: 1 p.m., EDT Monday, Oct. 15
HOW: Dial-in number: (408) 638-0968; Meeting ID: 363 129 912
Webinar link: https://zoom.us/j/363129912
Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest in the halls of power. We defend democracy, resist corporate power and work to ensure that government works for the people - not for big corporations. Founded in 1971, we now have 500,000 members and supporters throughout the country.
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