ODNI Examines Puerto Rico Voting Machines for Vulnerabilities

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) obtained voting machines from Puerto Rico and examined them for security vulnerabilities, according to an ODNI statement.

Background on the Probe

This action was part of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's investigation into alleged voter fraud, initiated at the direction of President Donald Trump. Trump has made claims of a rigged 2020 election, assertions which have been contradicted by numerous court rulings and audits. Gabbard was also present during an FBI search warrant execution in Fulton County, Georgia, related to the 2020 election.

The ODNI stated it found “extremely concerning” cybersecurity and operational deployment practices with the Puerto Rico voting machines but did not publicly provide evidence.

An ODNI spokesperson indicated that the U.S. attorney in Puerto Rico, Homeland Security Investigations agents, and an FBI supervisory special agent facilitated the voluntary handover of electronic voting hardware and software for ODNI analysis. The exact timeline for when the agency received and studied the machines is unclear.

The ODNI justified the probe by citing “publicly reported claims relating to elections in Puerto Rico alleging discrepancies and systemic anomalies in their electronic voting systems.”

Expert Commentary

David Becker, executive director of a nonpartisan organization working with election officials, informed CNN that voting machines undergo regular testing and maintain a strict chain of custody. He added that these machines count paper ballots which are then audited and recounted to confirm accuracy, noting these security controls have been effective.

The Director of National Intelligence coordinates intelligence efforts across 17 other U.S. intelligence community organizations. Former intelligence officials and election experts informed CNN that the ODNI's direct involvement in election infrastructure is without precedent.

One former senior U.S. intelligence official with election security experience commented that this activity is "well beyond what ODNI has the authority or expertise to do" and described it as "amateur hour."

Becker also stated that the ODNI activity in Puerto Rico “appears intended to intimidate and denigrate election officials, along with the constant threats of prosecutions, and the repeated lies about our election system.”

Further Information

Reuters was the first to report on the ODNI's probe in Puerto Rico, indicating the activity took place last spring. An ODNI spokesperson mentioned the agency is coordinating with U.S. government partners to share findings from its inquiry with relevant agencies to improve system security.

It is currently unknown if and when the ODNI will release further public information regarding its investigation.