In an unprecedented move that overturns centuries of US tradition, his administration is attempting to impose federal control over the , which historically have been conducted by local and state governments. An investigation into him reveals that through investigations, raids and requests for classified data, he is expanding his influence at the polls, causing a wave of concern among election officials from both major parties.
The “strange” phone call in Ohio
Last January, the Franklin County Board of Elections in Ohio received an unexpected call. A man, who introduced himself as a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent, requested immediate access to voter records. The county, a Democratic stronghold, was the target of an investigation that sought sensitive personal data such as driver’s license numbers and voting history.
“We had never received a call from Homeland Security before. It was unusual,” said Anton White, the county’s director of elections. DHS declined to comment on the specific operation, noting generally that its agents “root out voter fraud wherever it is.”
Pressures and “hacking” of voting machines
The pattern is repeated in at least eight states, including Nevada, Colorado and Michigan. In Colorado, federal officials and lobbyists tied to Trump pressed local officials for access to the machines of Dominion Voting Systems, the company at the center of unfounded theories of fraud in 2020.
Republican staffer Steve Slicker described a call from a CISA (Cyber Security Agency) official, who asked him for access to the machines. “I refused, as that would violate Colorado law,” Sliker said, adding that the call ended abruptly.
The goal of “nationalization”
President Trump makes no secret of his intentions. He has openly called on his party to “grasp” and “nationalize” voting in 15 critical areas. Through executive orders, his government seeks to:
- The mandatory proof of citizenship for registration in the lists.
- The liquidation of the electoral rolls, based on federal databases.
- The limitation of postal voting.
A climate of intimidation and resignations
The growing involvement of federal agents has created a toxic environment for local officials. In Missouri, about 15 election officials have resigned in 14 months, citing extreme stress and threats. In Texas, Bridgette Escobedo, an election official, received death threats after a fake video showed her tampering with ballots.
“There’s the intimidation factor,” says Amy Burgans of Nevada. “You wonder: who will be next?”
Preparation for November 8th
With the midterms looming, states are bracing for the possibility of federal intervention. Many election managers are now training their staff on how to recognize legal warrants and how to respond if armed federal agents show up at polling stations.
“We used to think of the federal government as an ally in election security. Now we are treating it with suspicion,” analysts comment, pointing out that the battle for the “democracy of the ballot box” is now fought head-to-head, from county to county.
The list of 8 States and intervention efforts
1. Arizona
When: February – March 2026
What happened: The FBI subpoenaed the state Senate for records related to the 2020 election audit report. Meanwhile, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) requested records from the former Attorney General’s fraud investigation.
Outcome: The Arizona Senate complied with the subpoena and the Attorney General turned over the material.
2. Ohio
When: January – March 2026
What happened: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requested and received voter records from at least six Ohio counties for unspecified investigations.
Outcome: Counties provided the records.
3. Colorado
When: Summer 2025
What happened: A lobbyist connected to the White House contacted at least 10 county clerks. Then, a person identifying himself as a CISA (Cyber Security Agency) official requested access to Dominion voting machines in El Paso County.
Outcome: The registrar denied access to the machines. DHS declined to comment on whether a CISA official actually called the secretary.
4. Missouri
When: September 2025
What happened: A Justice Department official contacted at least two county clerks, requesting access to election equipment.
Outcome: County clerks denied access.
5. Connecticut
When: Summer 2025
What happened: A Justice Department official directed the state to investigate allegations of voter fraud by a nonprofit with a history of making unsubstantiated complaints.
Outcome: State investigation is ongoing.
6. Nevada
When: Summer 2025
What happened: The FBI requested voter records from the Secretary of State’s office after a Trump-appointed attorney general announced an investigation into fraud in the 2020 election.
Outcome: The requested records did not exist and the investigation was later closed.
7. Georgia
When: January 2026
What happened: Federal law enforcement raided Fulton County for 2020 election records.
Outcome: Confiscated ballots and voter records. The investigation continues.
8. Michigan
When: April 2026
What happened: The Department of Justice demanded that Wayne County turn over a series of records from the 2024 election.
Outcome: State officials denied the request.
