Pennsylvania has contracted Civix to implement a new election management system, enhancing the accuracy, security, and voter engagement in elections. This system will replace the existing SURE and ENR platforms and is set to be operational by 2028, providing functionalities such as real-time election results and integrated campaign finance reporting.
In an important development for the state’s electoral process, Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt has announced that Civix will spearhead the implementation of an updated election management system. This comprehensive system aims to enhance both the accuracy and security of elections in Pennsylvania while also streamlining voter registration and ballot tracking processes.
By engaging Civix, Pennsylvania aligns itself with states such as Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Texas, and Connecticut in modernizing their election infrastructure. “The Shapiro Administration prioritized procuring this contract as part of its continuing commitment to secure elections,” stated Schmidt. “A modern, streamlined election management system is a critical tool that our 67 county boards of elections need, and our voters expect.”
The state has utilized the Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) system since 2003, which allows counties to manage voter registrations effectively. Schmidt mentioned that while the SURE system has undergone substantial enhancements over the last two decades, it will be eventually succeeded by the new Civix system aimed at improving operational capacity.
The Civix platform will replace both the SURE and the current Election Night Reporting (ENR), along with campaign finance and lobbying disclosure systems. Its public portal is designed to provide Pennsylvanians with access to information regarding voter registration, upcoming elections, and other public election data, enhancing voter engagement and transparency.
In addition, the new system will feature timely updates with unofficial election results from each county following election night. Civix’s integration with the Department’s current campaign finance website will further simplify the reporting of finance records for various political entities.
After a competitive bidding process that began with a call for proposals in May 2024, Civix was selected from seven proposals submitted. A comprehensive evaluation process involving elections staff, county officials, and IT specialists culminated in the decision to adopt Civix’s system.
“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,” remarked Phillip Braithwaite, CEO of Civix. He emphasized the importance of modernizing election systems across states to enhance transparency and efficiency in election administration.
In conclusion, the engagement of Civix to upgrade Pennsylvania’s election management system reflects the state’s commitment to securing and modernizing its electoral processes. This new system is expected to significantly improve the accuracy, security, and transparency of elections, providing essential tools for both election officials and voters. With an implementation timeline extending to 2028, Pennsylvania aims to ensure its electoral system meets contemporary needs effectively.
Original Source: www.myleaderpaper.com
