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60 Second Security Series EAC | Helping America Vote 

Physical Security: Building Access 

The 60 Second Security Series is intended to help election officials quickly identify, and address, potential security 

issues. Each topic includes a brief description, a list of security measures, and potential funding sources for making 

these improvements. More information about election security can be found at www.eac.gov. 

About Building Access 

Building access refers to the process of allowing or denying individuals access to enter specific physical facilities. 

Election officials are often responsible for maintaining the security of multiple facilities. These may include the 

elections office, secure storage areas, equipment warehouses, or rooms that contain sensitive election items. Some 

examples of access controls for building access include locks, access codes, or other barriers that ensure only 

authorized personnel can access sensitive materials or facilities. Some security measures and tools may be funded 

through federal grant programs that are administered by the states. More information about grant funding for 

election security can be found at the end of this guide. Definition: Access Control 

Security Measures Access Control is defined as the 

To address security concerns related to building access, consider process of granting or denying 

the following: specific requests to obtain and use information, 

and related information processing services, Policies and enter specific physical facilities. Common ⃝ Credential Requirement: access controls include physical keys, digital 

Before accessing an office or facility, elections staff access, or other barriers that limit access to 

should be required to have a name badge, ID, certain information or locations. 

or other credential that shows they are 

authorized to enter the facility. Any visitors to the office should be required to sign in before 

entering the facility, and they should be identified as visitors with a name badge or other credential. All 

visitors should always be escorted by a credentialed staff member. 

⃝ Two-Person Rule: 

Some procedures, like handling voted ballots, require at least two people. Some states also require that 

anyone performing these tasks come from opposing political parties. When thinking about 

physical election security, consider which tasks might benefit from implementing a twoperson rule. 

⃝ No Tailgating: 

Elections offices hire many temporary employees and volunteers, who may not personally know everyone 

who has access to sensitive areas. To keep facilities safe, do not allow anyone inside unless they 

have been given official access. If a door is locked or only accessible to certain staff, it is important 

to ensure that only authorized personnel enter the facility. 

⃝ Security Presence: 

Some facilities may require additional security. Consider working with local law enforcement to provide 

extra security patrols at highly sensitive facilities, or during critical times. These may include the 

elections office, an equipment warehouse, or polling locations during voting hours. 

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 Physical Security: Building Access 

Tools 

⃝ Alarm Systems: 

Alarm systems can deter vandalization and alert elections staff and law enforcement of unauthorized access 

to a facility. For staffed offices and facilities, consider installing panic buttons that can alert law 

enforcement immediately in case of an emergency. 

⃝ Electronic Keycard Systems: 

Sensitive facilities should be locked. Election offices may also add tamper-evident security seals to show if a 

door has been accessed when not in use. It is also important to consider who has access to certain 

areas. Electronic keycard systems give system administrators the ability to run a report showing 

when, and by whom, a given facility has been accessed. This can make it easier to limit access or 

conduct an audit of every time a room or facility was entered. When limiting access to certain facilities, 

consider who may have a master key or administrator privileges to an electronic system. These individuals 

should either be included on the list of individuals with access to these facilities, or their access should be 

specifically restricted from these areas. 

⃝ Security Cameras: 

Security cameras can provide assurance that critical facilities have not been accessed after hours, or at times 

when the area is not regularly staffed. When installing a camera system, consider other resources 

that might be required to ensure the effectiveness of this system. This may include additional staff 

time to review camera footage and ensuring that the system is connected to backup power in the 

case of a power outage. It is also important to consider the location of where to install security cameras. 

Some recommended locations may include doorways, highly sensitive areas, server rooms, etc. If the 

camera footage is stored locally, ensure that these servers are also stored in a secure location. 

Funding Opportunities 

HAVA Election Security Funding 

Since 2018, Congress has appropriated $955 million in HAVA Election Security grant funds to the states for the 

administration of elections, including cybersecurity enhancements, and many local elections offices have 

been able to use these funds to reimburse the cost of security improvements. Check with your state 

elections office to find out how to apply for HAVA grant funding in your state. Additionally, the EAC has 

published FAQs and other information about how HAVA grant funding may be used. Allowable expenses may 

include costs associated with the purchase, installation, and maintenance of security equipment, provided they are 

benefiting elections. Physical security services and social media threat monitoring may also be allowed if these 

services are necessary for the protection and security of election facilities and personnel. Any non-election benefit 

may be allocated accordingly to non-HAVA sources. States can reach out to the EAC Office of Grants Management 

via email to clarify any concerns about allowability and allocability for specific activities and costs. For more 

information about the EAC Office of Grants Management and HAVA Election Security funds, go to 

https://www.eac.gov/payments-and-grants/election-security-funds or email grants@eac.gov. 

Other Federal Grant Programs 

Other federal grant funds may be available to improve election security. Grants through the Department of 

Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) may be used by election officials or partner 

agencies to provide security services for election officials and improve the security of election 

infrastructure. More information about these programs can be found here: www.eac.gov/other-federalgrants. 

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U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

633 3rd Street NW, Suite 200 | Washington, D.C. 20001 

www.eac.gov June 2023 v 1.0