This is a guest opinion column

In Alabama, we take pride in doing elections the right way—with local control, secure processes, and transparency every step of the way. Our county election officials do not just show up around election season. They work year-round to train poll workers, test equipment, and prepare for every possible scenario. That kind of integrity does not happen by accident. It takes planning—and sustained investment.

As a legislator and former public safety professional, I have seen how reliable outcomes, whether in emergency response or elections, depend on strong infrastructure and steady support. Alabama’s election officials are doing their part. But they cannot do it alone.

During the first Trump Administration, Congress provided about $400 million annually to help states strengthen their election systems. That funding had a real impact here at home. Alabama counties replaced outdated voting machines, upgraded tabulators, improved accessibility for voters with disabilities, and conducted emergency preparedness training. In some places, counties even made physical security upgrades to polling places and election storage sites.

These improvements strengthened our elections, but they also require maintenance. And federal support has dropped off. This year, Congress included just $15 million for election security in its Continuing Resolution. That is a fraction of what is needed.

Meanwhile, the threats we face have only evolved. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated. Many counties are still working with outdated equipment. And rural areas continue to face connectivity and staffing challenges that directly impact election day operations.

We would not send firefighters or law enforcement into the field with broken radios or outdated vehicles. We should not ask our election officials to do their jobs with unreliable systems either.

That is why we need Congress to restore a reliable, consistent funding stream for election infrastructure—starting with $400 million in the FY26 budget. One-time boosts are not enough. States need to be able to plan and invest year over year.

Senator Katie Britt has been a strong advocate for Alabama’s election officials. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she has fought for federal funding so that Alabama’s elections are administered with integrity. With her continued support, voters can know that Alabama’s congressional delegation is leading the way to protect the vote of every American.

State Representative Joe Lovvorn serves in the Alabama Legislature representing Lee County.