Innovative Ways to Keep Our Election Systems Secure
This week Secretary LaRose joined the Council of State Governments Cybersecurity & Privacy Academy to discuss Ohio's cutting edge Vulnerability Disclosure Policy. In August, Secretary LaRose became the first Secretary of State in the nation to launch such a program. This innovation effort continues Ohio's role as a leader in the nation to protect elections infrastructure so Ohioans can trust that their vote was counted honestly.
Cybersecurity was also discussed at the Ohio Statehouse as the Secretary testified on how SB 194 will require the re-named Board of Voting Systems Examiners (BVSE) to not only set standards for voting machines used in Ohio, but also the voter registration database systems managed by each county board of elections. The bill will require these systems to meet stict security and reliability standards before any county can purchase them. With technical expertise provided by the Secretary of State’s office, the BVSE will be able to ensure our voter rolls meet the required standards of cyber-security as threats evolve.
Absentee Ballot Return Rate Surpasses Records!
Secretary LaRose announced the 2020 General Election had the highest return rate ever for absentee ballots. Through public service announcements, re-designed easy-to-understand instructions and community outreach, voters were informed about deadlines and how to correctly vote from the comfort of their home.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Electoral College
On Monday, December 14, 2020 at noon, the 18 members of Ohio’s Electoral College will gather in the Senate Chamber of The Ohio Statehouse to cast their electoral votes for President and Vice-President of the United States for Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence. Secretary LaRose encourages you all to watch the state’s 55th Electoral College via The Ohio Channel.
