Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore remains open to discussions with federal agencies regarding election preparedness, following a recent invitation to a meeting with the FBI and other federal partners. This invitation comes in light of heightened concerns surrounding election integrity, particularly following comments made by former President Donald Trump advocating for the “nationalization” of elections.
Federal Meeting Scheduled Amid Election Concerns
On February 25, 2026, Amore and his counterparts across the nation are set to participate in an online meeting with representatives from the FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The meeting, initiated by Kellie M. Hardiman, the FBI’s Election Executive, aims to discuss preparations for the upcoming midterm elections and provide updates on resources available to state election officials.
Amore acknowledges that it is routine for state officials to engage with federal partners during election cycles. However, he emphasizes that the current political climate poses unique challenges. He expressed his alignment with the views of Tobias Read, the Oregon Secretary of State, who remarked on the unpredictability of the current administration’s actions. “I don’t think we can put anything past this administration… We have to be prepared for everything,” Read stated.
Amore confirmed that Rob Rock, the Deputy Secretary of State and former head of the election division, will represent Rhode Island in the meeting. “We have had meetings with all of these entities in the past, so we’re going to listen,” Amore said, adding that any concerning topics raised during discussions would be met with scrutiny. “If the conversation becomes untenable from our perspective, we will push back hard or even leave the meeting.”
Concerns Over Federal Influence in Elections
State and local election officials harbor significant concerns regarding the federal government’s involvement in managing elections. According to reports, this unease intensified following an executive order signed by Trump that sought to impose stricter voter identification requirements. Many officials, including Amore, assert that the authority to regulate elections rests solely with the states, as indicated by the U.S. Constitution.
Amore criticized Trump’s call to nationalize elections, deeming it unconstitutional. “It doesn’t surprise me that the president is not familiar with the founders’ intent,” he noted, referencing the decentralized election system established to prevent undue influence from federal authorities. He added, “No president should be talking about nationalizing elections. It’s dangerous and part of a pattern that seeks to undermine the integrity of our electoral process.”
Regarding concerns about the presence of federal agents at polling stations, Amore reiterated that federal law prohibits armed agents or military personnel from being present near polling locations. “That’s a law that has more than a hundred years of precedent,” he stated firmly.
Amore also voiced opposition to a current proposal in Congress that would require voters to prove their citizenship. He argued that such legislation would disproportionately affect married women, whose identification may not match their birth certificates due to name changes. “This creates a different class of voters,” Amore explained, stressing that proving citizenship for routine tasks like changing party affiliation would impose unnecessary burdens on voters.
As the February meeting approaches, Amore and his colleagues remain vigilant, preparing to address any potential federal overreach while ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in Rhode Island and beyond.
