Summary
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made statements about her department's role in elections, suggesting it has significant responsibilities. However, while the Department of Homeland Security helps protect election infrastructure, it does not run elections, which are mainly state-run affairs. Noem's comments followed the passage of the SAVE America Act and have drawn criticism for possibly misrepresenting her agency's role.
Key Facts
- Kristi Noem is the Homeland Security Secretary.
- Noem spoke about election security and the need for photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote.
- The SAVE America Act, supported by President Trump, passed the House and affects voting rules.
- Noem claimed her department has a role in ensuring election systems are secure.
- States are primarily responsible for conducting elections, not the Department of Homeland Security.
- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within DHS aids in election security but does not run elections.
- CISA provides security alerts and training to protect voting infrastructure.
- Critics, including the Brennan Center for Justice, argue DHS does not control elections.
