Statement on 2020 Election Security from California’s Homeland Security Advisor

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SACRAMENTO – Ten days out from the 2020 Presidential Election, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci, who serves as California’s Homeland Security Advisor, released the following statement on the efforts underway to ensure a safe election for all Californians:

“The right to a free and fair election is the foundation of our democracy in California and across our nation.

“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is working closely with local, state, federal law enforcement as well as private sector partners and the Secretary of State to ensure           voters are safe, have free access to voting locations and that no matter the outcomes of the election the results will be respected.

“As California’s Homeland Security Agency we will not tolerate foreign interference in our elections or domestic criminal activity including, voter intimidation, that threatens the sanctity of your vote or undermines public confidence in the outcome of the election.

“We are working closely with the Secretary of State’s Office as well as County Election Offices to mitigate any potential cyber intrusions or physical infrastructure vulnerabilities to ensure for safe and secure voting.

“We are in close contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who is the primary investigative agency responsible for malicious cyber activity against election infrastructure, malign foreign influence operations, and election-related crimes, like voter fraud and voter suppression.

“We’re also coordinating closely with the private sector – including social media companies – to make sure that their platforms are not used by foreign actors to spread misinformation, disinformation and propaganda.

“In the days to come we will remain vigilant, we will remain organized, and we will not rest until all Californians can make their voices heard.

“It is important to have a voter plan no matter how you cast your ballot. If you see something suspicious, please report it to local authorities. Given the COVID environment, if you are voting in person, be patient, wear a mask, practice social distancing and vote early if you can.”

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