The George M. Ewing Canandaigua Forum will open its 15th season Sept. 20 with a public discussion about election security ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The program, "Protecting Your Ballot: Election Security Ahead of the 2026 Midterms," begins at 4 p.m. at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center, 20 Fort Hill Ave. in Canandaigua.
Ben Spear, chief information security officer for the New York State Board of Elections, and Kathleen McGrath, the board's director of public information, will lead the discussion. WXXI "Connections" host Evan Dawson will moderate.
Organizers said the speakers will explain how election systems are protected, how officials monitor threats and how local, state and federal partners work together to strengthen election security. The discussion will also address misinformation and public confidence in elections.
Spear is responsible for work involving election infrastructure and cybersecurity at the state Board of Elections. McGrath serves as the agency's chief communications officer and leads public information involving election administration, voter education, election security and campaign finance.
The program is expected to examine the current threat landscape, New York's approach to election cybersecurity and changes since recent election cycles. Organizers said the focus will be on practical safeguards and risk management rather than political rhetoric.
The event begins a season that also includes an Oct. 11 discussion about Parkinson's disease research and patient experiences, a March 7 program about cyber risks and an April 18 conversation with television writer and producer Tom Fontana.
Tickets cost $30 and are available at gmeforum.org or through the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center box office at 585-412-6043.
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