Nationwide survey shows most Americans are worried about election fraud — here’s what El Paso County is doing to combat interference

EL PASO, Texas -- A new nationwide Gallup survey has found that nearly six in 10 Americans have lost their confidence in the honesty of U.S. elections. Many say they feel this way because of fears over cybersecurity and foreign interference.

El Paso residents had mixed feelings on those concerns. 

“It kind of does (concern me) because the political currents of other countries can interfere in the politics of a country as the United States,” said one UTEP student.

“I don’t think that it’s possible that they could really infiltrate into our election system,” said another UTEP student. 

According to the Texas Secretary of State, no voting system in Texas is connected to the internet, and only software that is certified by the Texas Secretary of State can be put on a computer used for counting. 

Lisa Wise, the El Paso County Elections Administrator, says the county has received more resources since talk of foreign interference in the 2016 election. 

“Everything we have has been pretty much updated and follows best practices of what the federal and state government is recommending,” said Wise.

She says the county is working with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to ensure election security.

Early voting is continuing until February 28 and election day for Texas is on March 3.