North Carolina's gearing up for a tech upgrade and your voice can be part of the chorus that's shaping the future of the state's election management system and campaign finance reporting software. The N.C. State Board of Elections is calling on residents and tech whizzes to pitch in their two cents (and then some) about how these digital backbones should evolve. With the current system dating back to the times when "Google" was just a funny word, it's clear the Tar Heel State is itching for a change.
State election officials issued a Request for Information (RFI) last Friday, asking for feedback on security features and reporting capabilities. After all, no one wants another system hack or glitch making headlines during the next election. The RFI aims to gather input to help draft a solid Request for Proposal (RFP) for new election technology. Comments can be submitted through the online portal, by email, or by mail by Nov. 30, before 5 p.m.
On the transparency side of things, Sam Hayes, the executive director of the State Board of Elections, divulged, "The new election system must be secure and easy to use for the State Board and the 100 county boards of elections." According to the N.C. State Board of Elections, they're not just looking for a system that follows laws but one that's peek-through-the-blinds transparent for the public, too.
Currently, the State Board clings to the Statewide Elections Information Management System (SEIMS), which sprouted its digital roots back in '98. Also, the campaign finance reporting software, rolled out in the early 2000s, makes sure all campaign dollars and cents are properly tallied and trackable. In an age where your fridge can send you a text, updating these systems is less 'nice-to-have' and more 'do-it-now' for election officials. If you're keen on being part of this digital leap forward, get your thoughts in before the deadline and take part in shaping North Carolina's election future.
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