Many counties in America lack the funds to keep voting equipment up to date. Given threats of cyber intrusions by foreign actors, we must invest in cyber security for our election systems. And in an era of rightfully increased technological scrutiny on our election systems, it is essential that we avoid forcing poll locations to rely on voting machines past their intended lifespan. Outdated voting machines risk slower results, long lines, and weaker physical and digital safeguards.

We should be doing what we can to make our voting process as secure and seamless as possible, not just for the voters, but for those who dedicate their time each election cycle to seeing the process through for their fellow Americans. It’s critical that we support our infrastructure by investing in its upkeep and advancement, especially as voter registration numbers continue to rise and the pressures on our election offices to conduct elections with speed and efficiency increase.

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(This op-ed also appeared in The Charleston Gazette-Mail and Huntington Herald Dispatch).