Elections Systems Are Critical Infrastructure, DHS Chief Affirms

Initially dubious, John Kelly now says he concurs with the Obama administration"s approach.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly wants to continue treating election systems as critical infrastructure, retaining a controversial designation made late in the Obama administration, he told lawmakers Tuesday.

Kelly’s predecessor Jeh Johnson designated federal and state election and voting systems as critical infrastructure during the final days of the Obama administration despite objections from some state officials who worried about a federal power grab.

Critical infrastructure is an official DHS designation that comprises 17 industry categories, including chemical and power plants, transportation systems and dams.

Johnson’s move came days after then-President Barack Obama imposed additional sanctions on Russian intelligence agencies and officials for hacking Democratic political organizations in an effort to aid the electoral chances of President Donald Trump and to damage Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.