Internal Department of Homeland Security communications reviewed by reporters have raised new questions about the extent of federal involvement being planned for state election procedures. The communications suggest a level of coordination around voting infrastructure that has drawn scrutiny from state officials wary of federal overreach into an area traditionally run by states.

Election administration in the United States is constitutionally decentralized, with states and localities running the mechanics of voting, and federal involvement has historically been limited to narrower roles such as cybersecurity assistance.

DHS has previously said its election-related work is limited to security support requested by states. Civil liberties groups have said they will be watching closely for any sign that federal agencies are moving toward a more direct role in the conduct of elections themselves.