Maryland Election Board Urges Voter Vigilance Against Disinformation

As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) has issued a reminder for voters to stay cautious and informed in the face of disinformation. Aimed at undermining public confidence, malicious actors are spreading false claims suggesting that cyberattacks have compromised voter registration systems. These efforts, according to warnings from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), are part of broader attempts to disrupt trust in U.S. election infrastructure.

In a public statement, State Administrator Jared DeMarinis emphasized the importance of relying on credible sources for election-related information. “We remind Marylanders that while voter registration information can often be legally obtained, it does not indicate any security breach. Malicious actors are trying to sow distrust by falsely claiming that cyberattacks have compromised election systems. Let me be clear: our voter registration systems remain secure,” DeMarinis said. He encouraged voters to use official channels, including the SBE website and local election offices, for accurate updates.

Disinformation and Public Trust

Disinformation surrounding election security isn’t new, and bad actors continue to exploit this issue to foster uncertainty. While voter registration data is often publicly available, malicious narratives falsely claim that this availability results from hacking or security breaches. CISA and the FBI stress that they have no evidence suggesting that cyberattacks have altered voter registration information, prevented eligible voters from casting ballots, or disrupted vote counting and reporting processes.

According to a publication by F5 Labs, previous attempts to interfere with voter registration systems—such as the hacking incidents in two Florida counties in 2016—demonstrate the vulnerability of online registration systems, but there has been no indication that such efforts have impacted elections on a significant scale. Measures are in place to detect and mitigate risks, ensuring that these systems remain secure​.

SBE’s Cyber Awareness Tips

To combat disinformation, the SBE advises Marylanders to:

• Verify Information: Do not accept claims of intrusion at face value. Disinformation may be crafted to erode public confidence in the election process.
• Beware of Suspicious Communications: Be cautious when receiving messages via social media, email, or text from unfamiliar sources making dubious claims about election security.
• Rely on Trusted Sources: Seek accurate updates from official election authorities such as the SBE, and report any suspicious information to the disinformation portal on the SBE website.

The SBE continues to work closely with federal partners to ensure that Maryland’s voter registration systems remain secure. Despite vulnerabilities in some areas of election infrastructure (such as vulnerabilities discovered during the DEFCON Voting Village event), state and local efforts continue to protect voter integrity. Voters are encouraged to stay informed and to rely on trusted government sources rather than unverified online claims.

The Broader Picture of Disinformation Tactics

The spread of disinformation surrounding elections is not limited to Maryland or even voter registration systems. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), disinformation actors employ a variety of techniques, including creating fake personas, conspiracy theories, and synthetic media (such as deepfakes), all with the aim of manipulating public opinion. These actors often attempt to polarize social divisions, making their target audiences more susceptible to false narratives. In the context of elections, this can undermine confidence in democratic processes, regardless of the actual security of election systems​.

CISA’s efforts to raise awareness include emphasizing critical evaluation of sources and encouraging voters to think before sharing information that could be part of a disinformation campaign. Recognizing these tactics can help build a more resilient electorate, better equipped to differentiate between factual information and disinformation.

As Marylanders prepare for future elections, the SBE and its federal partners remain vigilant, ensuring that the public is informed, and that election security remains a priority. For more information, visit the SBE website or contact local election offices for updates.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors

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