DHS mandates random paper-ballot audits over Chinese parts in voting machines

In a Thursday correspondence, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin instructed the White House Transparency Task Force that states must carry out random paper-ballot audits during the upcoming midterm elections. The order addresses long-standing bipartisan worries that the nation’s three largest voting-machine providers—ES&S, Hart InterCivic and Dominion—depend on components manufactured in China, which could be altered during production and serve as entry points for hostile actors.

Mullin cited 2024 intelligence assessments that identify China as the most active cyber adversary with the capability to infiltrate U.S. election-related networks. The directive mirrors earlier actions by the Trump administration, which banned foreign-made internet routers over similar security concerns. Declassified documents also reveal that other foreign regimes, including Venezuela, have attempted to manipulate electronic voting systems, underscoring the broader threat environment. The DHS plan links compliance to grant funding and requires at least a 5% manual audit of ballots, reconciliation of voter rolls with ballots cast, and use of the SAVE system to verify voter citizenship.