In a significant move aimed at bringing North Carolina's election infrastructure into the current era, the General Assembly has passed House Bill 125, also known as the Continuing Budget Operations bill. Executive Director Sam Hayes of the North Carolina State Board of Elections expressed gratitude for the legislature's action, which promises to enhance the services provided to both voters and county boards of elections across the state.
"I am extremely grateful to the General Assembly for the passage of House Bill 125, which will help the State Board provide better services to the state’s 7.5 million voters and the 100 county boards of elections moving forward," said Hayes, in a statement obtained by NCSBE. The bill allocates $15 million for the modernization of the state’s antiquated election management system, a development that has been long in the waiting.
The overhaul of the election management system is a crucial project aimed at creating a more efficient and secure voting experience in North Carolina. The current system, which has been in place for years, was ripe for an upgrade. With the passage of HB 125, the board will soon be releasing a request for proposals to jumpstart the modernization process.
"This project is a top priority and will result in more efficient and secure elections for North Carolina voters," Hayes emphasized. The funding and subsequent technology upgrade come at a critical time when the integrity of the electoral process is increasingly under scrutiny across the United States. Preparations are underway to ensure that the improvements will be implemented as swiftly and smoothly as possible, as per the NCSBE report.
