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Mullin Links Grants to Election-Security Upgrades, Threatens Penalties

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Representative Jim Mullin announced that states must implement mandatory election-security upgrades to qualify for federal grants.
U.S. Representative Jim Mullin warned that states opting out could face fines, penalties, or imprisonment for non-compliance.
The announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a national address repeating false 2020 election claims.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will oversee compliance, requiring secured voting machines and cleaned voter-registration lists.

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Story summary

U.S. Representative Jim Mullin announced that states must implement mandatory election-security upgrades to qualify for federal grants.
U.S. Representative Jim Mullin warned that states opting out could face fines, penalties, or imprisonment for non-compliance.
The announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a national address repeating false 2020 election claims.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will oversee compliance, requiring secured voting machines and cleaned voter-registration lists.