DHS ties counterterrorism grants to states' election security policies

DHS now links counterterrorism grants to states adopting specific election security policies. States must certify implementation of measures like voter eligibility verification and ballot audits to receive full funding. The Department of Homeland Security outlined five requirements, including using the SAVE database for voter eligibility and conducting manual ballot audits. Non-compliance risks withholding 20% of grant amounts. These measures aim to ensure election integrity and prevent foreign interference, aligning with the administration's push for the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship for federal voter registration.