// recap · 2026-08-12

Beyond “rigged”: August 12 Recap

What it really means to protect our elections — a conversation about the real work of protecting free and fair elections, and the role the technology community can play.

Join September 9 all-hands →

What happened

On Wednesday, August 12, Tech for Democracy brought together technologists, civic tech leaders, and policymakers for Beyond “rigged”: What it really means to protect our elections, a conversation about the real work of protecting free and fair elections, and the role the technology community can play.

We heard from U.S. Rep. George Whitesides—former CEO of Virgin Galactic and NASA chief of staff—on threats to voting and what Congress must absolutely do when we get the majority back; Jordan Haines, CTO of Run for Something, on CampSight, an AEO/GEO platform for campaigns to strengthen their platforms and combat misinformation; and Xena Ni and Zareena Meyn of Trestle Collaborative on how their civic tech services protect elections—from defending voting infrastructure against DDoS attacks to powering voter hotlines.

Key takeaways

  • No, elections aren't “rigged.” But they are vulnerable—to disinformation, voter suppression, and even to infrastructure attack.
  • Free and fair elections need technology expertise. From cybersecurity and DDoS protection to AEO/GEO, technical expertise can make elections more secure and resilient.
  • AI is a new front in election information…and misinformation. Voters are turning to AI tools for information about candidates. Making sure those systems surface accurate, trustworthy information is critical.
  • There are concrete ways to help. Technologists don't have to leave their day jobs to run for office (yet!) to contribute. Civic organizations and campaigns need technical expertise and money.
  • The midterms are coming. The opportunity isn't some far off timeline. There is work to do between now and November.

Featured speakers

Rep. George Whitesides
U.S. Representative, CA-27

Discussed threats to voting and elections, and the role technology leaders can play in strengthening democratic institutions.

Support George: georgewhitesides.com/act

Jordan Haines
CTO, Run for Something

Introduced Run for Something and CampSight, a technology initiative designed to combat election disinformation and ensure accurate, trustworthy information about candidates in AEO/GEO search results.

Support CampSight: secure.actblue.com/donate/campsight
Advise or volunteer: jordan@runforsomething.net

Xena Ni & Zareena Meyn
Partner · Director of partnerships, Trestle Collaborative

Explained how Trestle mobilizes technologists to strengthen election infrastructure and protect access to the ballot—from defending election systems against cyberattacks to supporting the technology behind voter hotlines.

Support Trestle: trestle.us/donate
Advise or volunteer: sign up here

What's next

We're organizing an all-hands gathering on September 9 to build on the momentum from August 12. The third event will bring the community together to talk about a critical issue that touches us all and will be a major flashpoint in the midterms: AI.

Beyond that, we're taking Tech for Democracy local—with in-person meet-ups and opportunities for technology leaders in each region to put their skills, networks, and ideas to work for democracy.

Join September 9 →

Get involved

If you want to help build Tech for Democracy, we need people who can organize, recruit, and contribute in all sorts of ways. Fill out the form below to raise your hand.

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