Election Security Advisory Commission

The Commission recommended reforms and strategies for ensuring the security of elections in Michigan.

Members included local officials, election specialists and national experts in technology and data security. They assessed Michigan’s voter registration system and data, the process of voting and transmission of election results. The commission held hearings, inviting input from citizens and experts on election problems and security and published a set of recommended reforms and actions on Oct. 27, 2020, many of which have already been executed, including:

• Creating regular backups of Qualified Voter File data
• Updating QVF user permissions and implementing user controls to keep the user list current and up to date
• Requiring all QVF users to undergo security training prior to getting access
• Monitoring voter registration activity for anomalous data patterns
• Conducted security review of online voter registration systems
• Conducted additional data security audits and penetration testing
• Provided model security contingency plans and emergency response materials for local jurisdictions
• Conducted workshops and exercises and shared security best practices with local jurisdictions
• Expanded coordination with state and federal partners on IT and other election security issues
• Conducted the state’s first statewide risk-limiting audit pilot following the March 2020 election
• Established a point of contact for reporting of misinformation
  
  

Read the Commission’s report and recommendations