Pennsylvania Selects Civix for Major Update to Election Management System
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has selected Civix to enhance its election management system, aiming to improve accuracy and security in elections while facilitating voter registration and ballot tracking. The new system will replace existing systems and is scheduled for implementation by 2028.
In a significant development, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt has announced that Civix will implement a comprehensive election management system for Pennsylvania. This phased update aims to enhance election accuracy, security, voter registration, and ballot tracking, aligning Pennsylvania with states such as Georgia and Texas that have previously adopted similar systems.
The initiative signifies the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to securing elections. Schmidt emphasized, “A modern, streamlined election management system is a critical tool that our 67 county boards of elections need, and our voters expect.” Civix is tasked with customizing and fully implementing the new system by 2028, replacing the long-standing Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) system.
Since 2003, the SURE system has enabled counties to manage voter registrations effectively. Schmidt noted its extensive upgrades and the benefit it has provided, stating, “The SURE system has undergone extensive upgrades and security enhancements in the last 22 years.”
The new Civix system will also replace current Election Night Reporting, campaign finance, and lobbying disclosure systems. It will include a public portal for Pennsylvanians to access information related to upcoming elections, voter registration, and election data, thus streamlining election processes.
Moreover, this innovative system will provide rolling election results following polls closing, allowing users to filter data by county. Civix will also enhance the existing campaign finance website, improving transparency regarding financial disclosures from candidates and political committees.
Civix was selected from a competitive pool of seven bids after the May 2024 call for proposals; a thorough evaluation process involved a team comprising elections staff and IT experts. Phillip Braithwaite, CEO of Civix, stated, “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.”
In conclusion, the partnership with Civix marks a pivotal step toward modernizing Pennsylvania’s election management system. This initiative is designed to enhance the operational efficiency and security of the electoral process. As the Commonwealth prepares for full implementation by 2028, these advancements reflect a commitment to transparency and accessibility for voters, ensuring that Pennsylvania’s election system keeps pace with contemporary needs.
Original Source: www.thedigitalcourier.com
