Pennsylvania Appoints Civix for Election System Enhancement
Pennsylvania selects Civix for a comprehensive election management system update. This new system aims to enhance election security, accuracy, and voter engagement, with implementation planned by 2028. Civix will integrate various existing systems and improve public access to election information amidst significant upgrades since the 2003 SURE system.
In Pennsylvania, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt has announced the selection of Civix to implement a new election management system. This comprehensive update aims to improve election accuracy, security, and voter registration while enhancing ballot tracking. Pennsylvania will join states like Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Texas, and Connecticut by adopting this innovative system.
The implementation of this updated system will occur in phases with a target completion date of 2028. Schmidt emphasized the importance of securing the contract as part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to enhancing election integrity, stating, “A modern, streamlined election management system is a critical tool that our 67 county boards of elections need, and our voters expect.”
Since its inception in 2003, Pennsylvania has been utilizing the Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) system, which simplifies voter registration updates, removes deceased registrants, and manages duplicate records across counties. Schmidt noted, “The SURE system has undergone extensive upgrades and security enhancements in the last 22 years.”
The Civix system will replace both the SURE and the current Election Night Reporting (ENR) systems, along with campaign finance and lobbying disclosure registration systems. A public portal will be available within the new system, providing Pennsylvanians with resources related to voter information and elections. Moreover, it will feature a location-based “My County” link for users to access local election data.
Civix will also incorporate the Department’s existing campaign finance website, which tracks reports from statewide and legislative candidates, as well as political committees and lobbying disclosures. The selection of Civix followed a competitive bidding process concluding in May 2024, where seven bids were evaluated before selecting four finalists for assessment.
Phillip Braithwaite, CEO of Civix, expressed their commitment to the project, stating, “Civix is proud to partner with Pennsylvania to implement a scalable, secure, and adaptable system that meets the evolving needs of voters, election officials, and the public. As more states recognize the need to modernize their election systems, Civix is proud to be the trusted partner leading this transformation.”
In conclusion, Pennsylvania has selected Civix to upgrade its election management system, aiming for enhanced security, accuracy, and voter engagement. This initiative not only reflects the state’s dedication to modernizing election processes but positions it alongside other states investing in election technology. As Civix prepares for implementation by 2028, the state’s election officials and voters can anticipate a more efficient and transparent voting experience.
Original Source: www.myleaderpaper.com
