VFC Shield Members,

As election day approaches, safeguarding all aspects of our democratic processes is more important than ever.

This All Sectors Bulletin provides a threat assessment, critical resources and insights to protect against threats to election security.

It’s vital for VFC Shield Members to report any suspicious activity to help protect our communities from potential threats. Whether it’s related to cybersecurity, physical safety, or any other type of concern, your vigilance can make a difference. Reports can be submitted through the Virginia Fusion Center Suspicious Activity Reporting system.

Together, we can strengthen our collective security by promptly addressing emerging risks.

-VFC Shield

The U.S. Presidential election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. With increased availability and awareness of absentee ballots and early voting, turnout at individual polling sites may be lower. However, strong voter enthusiasm and high turnout projections nationwide may still result in substantial on-site participation, with in-person voting remaining the most popular method.

VFC Shield, in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, currently reports no specific or credible threats to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This outlook may be updated as new information becomes available.

Threat Overview:

While no credible threats to the Commonwealth of Virginia have been identified, a range of potential physical and cybersecurity risks could arise, impacting infrastructure, voters, and political figures during and immediately after the election:

Hostile surveillance targeting vehicle barriers, concrete bollards, blocker patrol cars, and other vehicle-ramming prevention measures.
Unauthorized access through use of fake credentials or imitation uniforms (police, fire, military, postal).
Verbal and physical voter harassment while waiting in line at polling locations.
Voter intimidation through an aggressive, threatening, or armed presence near polling sites.
Physical attacks on polling site infrastructure (e.g., power outages, water leaks, arson).
Groups gathering or using debris to block polling site entrances.
Swatting incidents or bomb threats aimed at disrupting voting locations.
Threatening messages or suspicious packages sent to election officials and offices.
Theft or tampering with voting infrastructure, including vandalism of ballot drop boxes.
Presence of armed individuals positioned within crowds or at high vantage points.
Low-tech assaults involving edged weapons or blunt objects.
Pre-positioned or portable improvised explosive devices (IEDs) concealed in bags or backpacks and detonated remotely.
Attacks on postal workers by individuals attempting to intercept mail-in ballots.
Theft of mail-in ballots from unattended carriers or forced entry into delivery vehicles and mailboxes.

- Tools and Resources -

For years, America’s adversaries have targeted U.S. elections as part of their efforts to undermine U.S. global standing, sow discord inside the United States, and influence U.S. voters and decision making. We expect 2024 to be no different. U.S. elections remain an attractive target for both nation-states and cyber criminals. As we move into the 2024 election cycle, CISA and our partners in the federal government are positioned to support election officials and private sector election infrastructure partners in addressing the physical, cyber, and operational security risks they face. Election officials are the frontline defenders in securing the electoral process—we are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in this critical mission.

Resource | US Election Assistance Commission

Election Security Preparedness

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s Election Security Preparedness page offers resources to help election officials secure election infrastructure. It covers cybersecurity training, self-assessment tools, incident response planning, physical and cyber threat mitigation, and best practices for securing both voting and non-voting systems. The page also highlights collaboration efforts with agencies like CISA to improve security measures and provides guides on topics such as election technology, remote voting, and insider threats.

Foreign Threat Actors and the US Election

Election Security/Safety

View Virginia Fusion Center Homepage

Observe Suspicious Activity?

Not a VFC Shield Member?

VFC Shield Threat Assessment/Election Resources

Threat Overview:

- Tools and Resources -

This is an open-source product. Redistribution is encouraged.

------

Useful Links