State and local election officials warned that the Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Markwayne Mullin, could be used to undermine midterm results by deploying personnel and pressuring state authorities, NPR reported. Officials pointed to the appointment of Heather Honey to DHS’s elections team and public remarks from Mullin, including a "Let’s throw out the Constitution" comment, as signs DHS staff may prioritize political loyalty over impartial election security. They warned DHS might station immigration agents at polling places, harvest voter data, and amplify baseless fraud claims to trigger investigations or court contests in close races. If DHS takes those steps in tight contests, state certifications could be delayed or overturned and public trust in results could collapse, making the midterms vulnerable to administrative subversion.
