Petersen for Nebraska
LINCOLN, NE — Scott Petersen, candidate for Nebraska Secretary of State, filed an urgent public records request earlier this week seeking documentation on whether Nebraska is complying with newly enacted federal election security requirements tied to voting system testing and federal funding.
The request specifically targets compliance with Section 6805 of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which amended the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) to require laboratory-conducted penetration testing of voting systems.
“This isn’t speculation—it’s federal law,” said Petersen. “If Nebraska is using voting systems, those systems must meet updated security requirements. The question is simple: are we in compliance or not?”
The request seeks records including penetration testing reports, certification documents, vendor contracts, communications with testing laboratories, and any internal assessments or remediation plans related to compliance.
Petersen also requested documentation confirming whether Nebraska has met all requirements necessary to receive federal election security funding under HAVA, including grant certifications, audits, and compliance reviews.
Why This Matters
Federal law now requires enhanced testing and certification of voting systems to ensure they are secure against modern threats. These requirements are tied directly to eligibility for federal funding and are intended to strengthen election system integrity nationwide.
“Nebraskans deserve to know whether our systems have actually been tested under these updated standards,” Petersen said. “And if they haven’t, why not?”
Accountability and Transparency
The request also seeks any records of:
- Delays or noncompliance
- Waivers or exemptions
- Identified vulnerabilities and corrective actions
“This is about transparency and accountability,” Petersen added. “If everything is secure, there should be no hesitation to show the work. If there are gaps, we need to address them immediately.”
Public Interest and Oversight
Petersen emphasized that the request is made in the public interest and is intended to ensure Nebraska is meeting both federal law and the expectations of voters.
“Election integrity isn’t a talking point—it’s a responsibility,” Petersen said. “The public has a right to see whether Nebraska is following the law and protecting our elections.”
This request will determine:
- Whether Nebraska has complied with new federal security mandates
- Whether voting systems have undergone the required penetration testing
- Whether taxpayer-funded federal grants were properly received and justified
“You can’t claim confidence without verification,” Petersen concluded. “Nebraskans deserve answers.”
