The Overview

If you vote in California, the cybersecurity protecting your local election just got a closer look from the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a law requiring California's Office of Elections Cybersecurity to assess whether the state needs additional resources to replace federal election-cybersecurity support that has been cut. ​

The Office of Elections Cybersecurity bill, AB 2281, was signed on Sept. 19. A 2025 survey by the Brennan Center for Justice found that 60 percent of local election officials were concerned about federal cuts to election-security services, and 87 percent said state and local governments should step in with more resources, according to the Brennan Center.

What the Law Does

California's Office of Elections Cybersecurity sits inside the Secretary of State's office and works with local elections officials to reduce the risk of cyber incidents and combat election misinformation. It already develops best practices in consultation with federal, state, and local agencies and private organizations.

The law adds two requirements. First, the office must assess whether additional state resources are needed to replace election-cybersecurity support previously provided by the federal government. Second, it may now consult with academic researchers when developing those best practices, expanding the circle of expertise the office can draw on.

Legislative Status

Asm. Marc Berman (D) authored the bill, saying it would "strengthen the Office of Elections Cybersecurity" by authorizing work with academic researchers and directing an assessment of resources needed to replace federal cybersecurity support. The Assembly passed it 55–9 on May 11, and the Senate passed it 30–10 on Aug. 30. The Assembly then concurred in Senate amendments 60–11, also on Aug. 30, before the bill went to the governor.

Citizen Portal reported on the bill's Senate consideration, noting its focus on assessing state needs after federal cuts to election-security programs.

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