Here & Now

Elections Official: Wisconsin Vigilant Against Hacking

Frederica Freyberg:

The person in charge of Wisconsin elections testified this week before the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee investigating Russia's influence on the 2016 elections. Michael Haas testified Wednesday about potential threats to upcoming elections and lessons learned from 2016.

Michael Haas:

There was no evidence that voting machines or election results have been altered in U.S. elections. I appreciate the committee’s emphasis on that. I think that for the public that cannot be stated enough. And strongly enough. Still, we as election administrators must exercise vigilance to assure that such theoretical attacks do not become reality. We must also continue to educate the public about safeguards in the system.

Frederica Freyberg:

Haas said he was not aware of any attempts to hack Wisconsin's election system but at the same time admitted he has not talked to U.S. intelligence about whether Wisconsin was one of the 21 states that experienced hacking attempts.