NC Voting Systems How do S.L and HAVA impact the voting system in your county and what duties must you quickly perform?

Immediate Impact All voting equipment certified in North Carolina prior to S.L is subject to be decertified by the State Board pursuant to G.S (b). All polling places are required to have at least one accessible voting unit. (HAVA Section 301) All counties are required to follow the guidelines for purchasing or upgrading to newly certified HAVA compliant equipment. S.L. 323 added voter verifiable ballots and paper records for audit

Request for Proposals (Issued by ITS) RFP was issued on 10/11/05 Mandatory bidders conference 11/18/05 Bids opened on 11/4/05 (5 bids received) Evaluation Team reviewed bids Two (2) companies withdrew bids Certification Team examined equipment Three (3) companies approved for demonstrations

Certification Process All equipment approved to 2002 FEC Voting System Standards Agree to 7.5 million dollar bond to cover damages caused by system Agree to place all software in escrow Maintain an office in NC No field upgrades unless approved Extensive security in place Deliver equipment in 60 days

Voting Types There are three (3) types of voting systems: Direct Record Electronic (DRE) Optical Scan Traditional Paper Ballots May use multiple types at the same polling place if needed

Voting System Accessibility Requirements of Section 301 of HAVA, 42 USC 15481(a)(3) Same Opportunity for Access and Participation (including privacy and independence) At least one accessible voting system at each polling place DRE Optical Scan marking device

Acquisition Process (Needs to Move Quickly) Witness demonstration of two (2) types Select a vendor and voting type Send recommendation to County Commissioners Conduct a Public Forum in County Request HAVA funding from SBE Order equipment from RFP contract Sign contract with vendor

Demonstration of Voting Types The County Board sees a demonstration of two (2) types of voting machines – DRE & Optical This IOG meeting satisfies this requirement Regional Demonstrations Fayetteville – 12/12/05 (2:00 pm to 7:00 pm) Greenville – 12/13/05 (2:00 pm to 7:00 pm) Greensboro –12/14/05 (2:00 pm to 7:00 pm) Asheville – 12/15/05 (2:00 pm to 7:00 pm)

Select Vendor….Terms, Conditions and Price Already Determined by the RFP/State Contract ES&S DRE Optical Scan Diebold Elections Systems DRE Optical Scan Sequoia Voting Systems (Pending) DRE Optical Scan

Public Forum Conducted By The County Have vendor and voting equipment at public facility Advertise the time and location Allow time for demonstration of voting equipment Provide opportunity for public input This satisfies the testing requirement

Cost and Financial Request funding, after making purchase decision Indicate vendor and type of system Payment formula set by Senate Bill 223 using HAVA funds: $12,000 per polling place $12,000 per one-stop site $1.00 per voter in 2004 General Election - not less than $10,000 or more than $100,000.

Title I Section 102 Funding First of the HAVA funds distributed (Summer of 2003) Purpose was to help replace Punch-card and Lever Machines 13 Counties received this funding We Recommend Encumbering These Monies by 12/31/05

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