News Summary
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed Executive Order 53 to bolster election security in preparation for the 2026 midterms. The order mandates updated safeguards for voter data and election systems amidst rising concerns about cyber threats. Key measures include enhanced cybersecurity protocols, regular testing of election systems, and improved coordination among election officials. Critics argue that the order may suppress voter participation, citing past controversies over similar initiatives. As other states ramp up their own election security efforts, Virginia’s proactive approach aims to restore confidence in the electoral process.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed Executive Order 53 on September 12, 2025, aiming to enhance election security in the state ahead of the 2026 midterms. This executive order mandates that the Virginia Department of Elections and other relevant agencies implement updated safeguards to protect voter data, voting machines, and overall election systems from potential cyber threats.
The order emphasizes the necessity for stronger cybersecurity protocols, regular testing of election systems, and improved coordination between state and local election officials. Youngkin stated that these measures are intended to bolster Virginians’ confidence in the integrity and accuracy of elections, which he described as the foundation of democracy.
Virginia currently relies on paper ballots and counting machines for its elections, with an assurance that no internet-connected voting machines are in use. To further secure the electoral process, there are established procedures for removing ineligible individuals from voter rolls. Election authorities will be required to ensure secure data sharing and to oversee the elimination of ineligible voters from registration lists.
In a significant step toward enhancing voter roll integrity, the Department of Homeland Security’s SAVE database will be expanded, assisting in the identification of non-citizens within the voter population. The state’s Fusion Center and Department of Emergency Management will also carry out a statewide election preparedness exercise before the commencement of early voting. This exercise aims to evaluate coordination, response plans, and communication across multiple agencies, ensuring that the state’s election infrastructure is robust and prepared for any incidents that may arise.
The executive order comes at a time when discussions surrounding election security are becoming increasingly prominent on a national level in advance of the upcoming midterm elections. Other states, such as Ohio and Washington, have already initiated their own security measures, with Ohio’s Secretary of State focusing on strengthening security directives, and Washington implementing new requirements related to technology and breach reporting in elections.
This is not the first move made by the Youngkin administration regarding election security. In 2024, the governor issued earlier executive orders that addressed protocols for election security and maintenance of voter rolls. Critics of the recent order, primarily from the Democratic Party, have voiced concerns that these measures are a revival of voter suppression tactics, with some calling the order a façade for intimidating eligible voters under the guise of ensuring election integrity. State Senator Aaron Rouse has pointed out that the executive order could be viewed as an initiative that deters lawful participation in the electoral process.
The context surrounding the executive order is also relevant, as it follows previous controversies involving Youngkin-backed initiatives that targeted alleged non-citizens on voter rolls. These efforts faced significant opposition and legal challenges from the Department of Justice as well as advocacy groups focused on voting rights, emphasizing the contentious nature of election-related policies in Virginia.
Youngkin’s administration believes that the proactive measures laid out in Executive Order 53 are essential in maintaining resilience against evolving cyber threats that could compromise the electoral process. As the state prepares for the crucial 2026 midterm elections, the focus on enhancing election security remains a key priority for both the administration and the broader electoral community in Virginia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- State Scoop: Youngkin’s Virginia Election Security Executive Order
- WBOC: Gov. Youngkin Issues Executive Order for Virginia Election Security
- WRIC: Youngkin Directs State Coordination with DHS for Election Security
- Wikipedia: Election Security
- Google Search: Virginia election security 2026 midterms
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
