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In my role with the Maine Republican Party, I have had the chance to speak with people across the state, from county committee meetings to grassroots events. One thing I hear consistently is that Mainers want elections they can trust.
That trust does not happen by accident. It is built through preparation, strong safeguards, trained local officials and the resources needed to keep election systems secure.
Across Maine, town and city clerks are doing the quiet work that makes our elections run. They maintain voter rolls, prepare ballots, train poll workers, manage absentee voting and make sure every step follows the law. They are on the front lines of election integrity in this state.
With foreign threats and cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, securing our elections must remain a top priority.
In 2018 and 2020, Congress provided significant federal election security funding that helped states like Maine modernize equipment and strengthen protections against evolving threats. In recent years, however, that support has become less predictable. Equipment still needs maintenance. Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve. Poll workers still need training. Local clerks are being asked to keep systems secure without the certainty they need to plan responsibly.
Sen. Susan Collins has been a steady leader on this issue, and Maine is stronger because of her work to support election security funding. Congress should build on that progress by ensuring election infrastructure receives stable, reliable support moving forward.
Secure elections are a basic responsibility and a smart investment in public trust. If we want voters to have confidence in the process, we need to support the people and systems that protect it.
Sam Bridges
Former vice chairman
Maine Republican Party
Guilford