Under Pressure: U.S. Election Security

As the 2026 midterms approach, election officials across the country are confident they can deliver free and fair elections. But can they convince voters? In the third and final episode of Talking Policy’s miniseries on U.S. elections, guest host Georgia Kernell sits down with Thad Kousser and Lauren Prather, co-directors of UC San Diego’s new Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections. Drawing on their latest research, they explore what’s fueling Americans’ concerns about election security, why trust in the electoral process is eroding, and what can be done to restore it. This episode was recorded on October 8, 2026, with additional recording on October 14, 2026. The conversation was edited for length and clarity.