CLARKSVILLE, Texas, September 4, 2018 – With new voting equipment delivered last week, Red River County officials are looking forward to an efficient and easy-to-use voting system. Earlier this summer, Commissioners approved the purchase of the Verity® Voting system, the most up-to-date election technology available in the United States. County Clerk Shawn Weemes recommended the replacement for older technology, and she is confident that the system from longtime election partner Hart InterCivic is the right choice.
“Red River County has been part of the Hart family since 2005, and we are happy they have chosen Verity for this step forward,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions. “Verity’s technology is versatile and trustworthy; it meets the County’s needs today and will meet tomorrow’s needs, too.”
Designed and built in Texas, Verity is certified at the federal and state levels. More than half of the voters in the State cast their ballots on Hart’s voting systems, and Verity is a natural next step for those ready to modernize.
Starting with the November General Election, Red River County voters will hand-mark paper ballots or mark them using the Verity accessible ballot marking device. Ballots are cast by scanning them using the system’s voter-friendly digital precinct scanner. “Our voters like the security of seeing that printed ballot,” Weemes said. “I think they will also appreciate the easy-to-use tablet device.”
Verity’s flexible design will allow options if the County chooses to change to all-electronic voting or Vote Centers in the future. “If our voters want to go to all electronic voting down the road, we already have the technology platform in place with Verity,” Weemes said.
Hart’s excellent customer service also supported Weemes’ decision. “Hart has been good to me. When I was new in this position (2014), they sent a trainer to teach us what we needed. On the next Election Day, they sent hands-on help. They want us to be successful. Plus, they are always just one phone call away.”
Weemes believes poll workers will appreciate Verity’s compact, easy-to-transport design, which will streamline precinct setup on Election Day. “Programming and opening polls will be easier, too. Much less time consuming,” she said.
Red River County in Northeast Texas joins a growing number of Texas jurisdictions moving to Verity. Since the Texas Secretary of State certified the latest release of the system in late 2016, Hart has shipped more than 8,000 Verity devices across the State. Federally certified in 2015, the secure and efficient system is also in use in numerous counties throughout the U.S.
Braithwaite expects more announcements throughout 2018 as jurisdictions refresh their election technology before November’s elections.
Learn more about Verity in Texas: https://www.hartintercivic.com/texas/
PLAINVIEW, Texas, September 4, 2018 – New election technology is on its way to Hale County, and County Clerk Latrice Kemp says the Verity® Voting system from longtime election partner Hart InterCivic will be great for voters. Verity is the most up-to-date election technology available in the United States. It is a flexible, trustworthy system built to be user-friendly and backed by a proven partner.
“We have confidence in Hart, and it all goes back to their customer service,” said Kemp, who has worked with elections in Hale County for more than two decades and alongside Hart since 2005 when the County chose the Texas-based company’s previous system.
“Commissioners agreed that this year was time to move up, and we chose Hart’s Verity. Voters will find the touchscreen easy to use and, of course, we all appreciate that the system is safe and secure,” Kemp added. “This is a good move for our voters.”
“Hale County is a valued partner, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to deliver successful elections for many, many years,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions. “The County has made a solid choice for the future.”
Verity is a federally and state certified system designed and built in Texas. More than half of the voters in the State cast their ballots on Hart’s voting systems. Verity is a natural next step for those ready to modernize.
Hale County Commissioners approved the Verity purchase August 13, and Hart is moving quickly to begin delivery, testing and training ahead of November’s general election.
“Hart is going to take care of us,” Kemp said. “We have already received our equipment, and our workers are excited. Setup will be simplified, and Verity is so user friendly. Plus, if we have questions, the people at Hart are very good about walking us through solutions. Anytime I call, they have answers. I’ve worked with them for a long time, and I know what to expect.”
Hale County joins a growing number of Texas jurisdictions moving to Verity. Since the Texas Secretary of State certified the latest release of the system in late 2016, Hart has shipped more than 8,000 Verity devices across the State. First federally certified in 2015, the secure and efficient system is also in use in numerous counties throughout the U.S.
Braithwaite expects more announcements throughout 2018 as additional jurisdictions choose Verity to refresh their election technology.
Learn more about Verity in Texas: https://www.hartintercivic.com/texas/
COLVILLE, Washington, August 28, 2018 – Stevens County officials are taking delivery of a new election system this month, a timely and budget-friendly move for the jurisdiction. The Verity® Voting system from longtime election partner Hart InterCivic is the most up-to-date election technology available in the United States. It is a flexible, trustworthy system backed by a proven partner.
“We’ve partnered with Hart since 2005, and we rate them 100 percent. This summer we decided it was time to move forward with a better scanning system, and Hart’s payment plan for the new Verity made a lot of sense for our budget,” said Stevens County Auditor Tim Gray. “We’ve been very happy with our existing system, but electronics don’t last forever.”
“By choosing Verity, we have the newest, most cybersecure system for many years to come. Plus, we are very comfortable dealing with Hart – a trustworthy company that won’t let us down,” said Gray who has worked with election administration for more than two decades.
“We appreciate Stevens County’s confidence in Hart and Verity. They are making the right choice for their voters,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions. “Verity’s flexible technology is especially suited to Washington’s by-mail voting method. We are a longtime partner with Washington’s counties, and we understand their needs.”
Verity is a versatile election system with state-of-the-art hardware and software features that make by-mail voting efficient, secure and transparent. A main component is Verity Central, the easiest, most efficient high-speed scanning system on the market with streamlined workflow, logical onscreen adjudication and no ballot pre-sorting required. Video of Verity Central.
“One safeguard we like is that the scanner will not re-read (or over-count) a ballot,” Gray said. “We also like the efficiency of scanning mail-in ballots as they arrive.”
“Security is a big concern, and we like that this system is not connected to the internet. There is no easy way to break in,” Gray added. Verity, designed and built in the United States, exceeds current federal and state standards.
Gray also appreciates that Hart tests and certifies commercial print companies for ballot printing. “When we use the commercial shop, we know that our printer is good at what she does.”
Stevens County Commissioners approved the Verity purchase August 13, and Hart is moving quickly to begin delivery, testing and training before November’s general election. With more than 30,000 registered voters, Stevens County joins a growing number of jurisdictions in Washington and the Northwest moving to Verity.
Federally and state certified since 2015, the system is also in use in numerous counties throughout the U.S. Braithwaite expects more announcements throughout 2018 as additional jurisdictions choose Verity to refresh their election technology.
EMORY, Texas, July 26, 2018 – When Rains County voters go to the polls for November’s General Election, they will be using the most up-to-date election technology available in the United States. Commissioners recently decided to replace older technology, and County officials are confident that the Verity® Voting system from longtime election partner Hart InterCivic is the right choice.
“We have always had a great relationship with Hart, so I was excited to learn about Verity and see it in action at conferences and demos,” said County Clerk Linda Wallace. “It’s the newest and greatest system out there. Verity is everything I wanted.”
Verity is a federally and state certified system designed and built in Texas. More than half of the voters in the State cast their ballots on Hart’s voting systems, and Verity is a natural next step for those ready to modernize.
“Hart has partnered with Rains County since 2005, and we are very happy with their decision,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions. “The County has chosen well; Verity’s technology provides a solid platform for many years of successful elections.”
“The new system is user-friendly – our voters are ready for the touchscreen,” Wallace said.
Wallace also appreciates Verity’s compact, easy-to-transport design, which will streamline precinct setup on Election Day. “Plus, less handling makes it easier on the poll workers and simplifies our process from start to finish.”
Wallace, who has been with the North Texas county since 2001, is also looking forward to the Hart hands-on training process. “Hart has a great training staff; they were amazing in 2006. It’s exciting to know that the newer members of my staff will get that level of training on Verity.”
Hart representatives are delivering Verity equipment to Rains County in late July, and Wallace is eager to transition to the new system with Hart’s support.
“Hart customer service is the best I’ve ever seen. I’ve worked with other vendors for other county equipment, but Hart has them all beat. I call with a question, and they won’t get off the phone until I have my answer. They can walk me through anything.”
Rains County joins a growing number of Texas jurisdictions moving to Verity. Since the Texas Secretary of State certified the latest release of the system in late 2016, Hart has shipped more than 7,700 Verity devices across the State. Federally certified in 2015, the secure and efficient system is also in use in numerous counties throughout the U.S.
Braithwaite expects more announcements throughout 2018 as jurisdictions refresh their election technology across Texas and nationally.
Learn more about Verity in Texas: https://www.hartintercivic.com/texas/
FALFURRIAS, Texas, July 24, 2018 – Commissioners in Brooks County voted July 9 to adopt the most up-to-date voting technology available in the U.S., the Verity® Voting system from longtime election partner Hart InterCivic. Election Administrator Anna M. Garcia said the choice was driven by the South Texas county’s long-term relationship with Hart. “Their customer service is awesome. We never really considered anyone else.”
“Once I saw Verity operating (at a statewide election conference last year), I had to see more,” Garcia said. She arranged with Hart to present a live demonstration for the Commissioners Court. “We were impressed with the system’s accuracy and accountability, and I like that Verity will be easier for our workers to learn and operate.”
“We appreciate Brooks County’s confidence in Verity’s secure new technology. We’ve partnered with the County since 2005, and we look forward to our ongoing relationship,” said Phillip Braithwaite, Hart’s President and CEO. Hart is an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions. “Verity’s technology is versatile and trustworthy; it will serve the County well for many years.”
Verity is a federally and state certified system with all new hardware and software designed from the ground up to be secure and easy to use. The system is user friendly for voters and poll workers, who also welcome the lightweight, compact design for simple transport and setup.
“The new technology eliminates so many steps,” Garcia said. “Plus, the size of each unit makes it easier for our election workers to bring to precincts.”
Verity will debut in Brooks County for the November General Election, and Garcia is confident in the training process that Hart has planned. “There is no rush here. They told me to take my time; trainers will be here for everything we need. Plus, Hart staff will be on hand when we vote for the first time.”
Brooks County joins a growing number of Texas jurisdictions moving to Verity. Since the Texas Secretary of State certified the latest release of the system in late 2016, Hart has shipped more than 7,700 Verity devices across the State. Federally certified in 2015, the secure and efficient system is also in use in numerous counties throughout the U.S.
At each precinct, Brooks County voters will have the choice of marking their paper ballots by hand or filling out choices using an ADA-compliant electronic device.
“I’m looking forward to reactions from the voters,” Garcia said. “For those voters choosing a paper ballot, the scanner is mistake-proof. And voters that use the ADA units will like the easy-to-use touchscreen. And it gives me a good feeling that if we have questions, Hart is only a phone call away.”
Braithwaite expects more announcements throughout 2018 as jurisdictions refresh their election technology across Texas and nationally.
Learn more about Verity in Texas: https://www.hartintercivic.com/texas/
BRANDON, Mississippi, June 26, 2018 – Rankin County voters and election officials praised the simplicity and speed of their new paper-ballot process when they voted in this month’s Primary Election. The primary marked the first time voters across all Rankin County precincts had the opportunity to use the new Verity® Voting system, which replaced 15-year-old electronic equipment.
“Many voters commented that they felt more in control of their voting experience,” said Tonya Rivers, one of five Rankin County Election Commissioners.
“They appreciate that they can operate the machines independently, without poll workers’ assistance at the voting booth. One voter had placed an unintentional mark on his ballot; he was impressed that the Verity Scan device provided a message that alerted him to the error,” she said.
As for poll workers, they quickly recognized the simplicity of Verity during comprehensive training before the primary, Rivers explained. “It was great to see the lightbulb turn on for them and hear them say, ‘This is really simple – so much easier than the system we used to have!’”
“Congratulations to Rankin County on their smooth countywide rollout. We’ve been happy to help throughout their transition and we will be here for them for years to come,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions.
Hart’s extensive election experience helped streamline Rankin County’s transition for 86,000 registered voters. “They are election experts and understand any issues we’ve come up against,” Rivers said. “Hart delivers exactly what they promise. They are trustworthy, friendly and personable. Verity has been extremely easy to learn and use. The equipment has performed well.”
Verity, the most up-to-date technology available in the U.S., is a federally and state certified system designed from the ground up to be flexible, easy to use and secure with all new hardware and software. Rankin County officials chose a paper-ballot configuration when they purchased Verity in December 2016. Other jurisdictions across the U.S. have chosen electronic, paper or hybrid arrangements.
The easy-to-use system got high marks for speed at all levels. Voters like that they can quickly insert the ballot in any orientation, and that the machine tells them if there is an issue with the ballot.
At the end of Election Day, most results were transmitted from the County’s polling locations to headquarters by Verity Relay, a secure, high-speed option allowed in a small number of states. Verity Relay is the only EAC-certified solution in the U.S., meeting stringent security requirements. “It made the press happy to see results rolling in so quickly,” Rivers said. “We were excited too; we did the happy dance every time results came in from another precinct.”
Rankin County is one of the fastest growing counties in Mississippi, and Rivers is confident in their future with Verity and Hart. “We feel a lot less stress at Election Central. We have our state audit coming up, and I’m zero percent concerned,” she said. “Hart is always there for us. You couldn’t ask for a better vendor.”
Learn more about Verity
FLOYDADA, Texas, June 28, 2018 – When Floyd County Commissioners first saw a hands-on demonstration of the Verity® Voting system, the most up-to-date technology available in the U.S., they called it the right choice at the right time and quickly approved an immediate upgrade with a 5-0 vote.
County Judge Marty Lucke said there was no need to prolong the June 11 action. “Choosing Verity was an easy decision. We have worked with Hart for 15 years, and we trust the reliability of their equipment. When I saw Verity demonstrated at a statewide conference, I knew it was a good upgrade. I made some calls to counties already using it and they really liked it, too.”
“Customer support from Hart has been great. Their presentation made an impression. We saw an elderly voter step right up and use the new touchscreen with no problem,” he added. “Verity will be easy to learn and easy to use – for voters and workers.”
“Judge Lucke and Floyd County officials have good instincts, and we appreciate their confidence in Hart and in Verity. They are investing in secure and efficient voting for many years to come,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions.
County Clerk Ginger Morgan also has confidence in the easy-to-use equipment, which Hart’s team will deliver this month. “Hart’s people have helped every step along the way. We get to know them individually, and that means a lot to me. I am looking forward to working with a ballot production specialist who knows me and knows Floyd County.”
Manufactured in Texas, Verity is a federally and state certified system designed from the ground up to be flexible, easy to use and trustworthy with all new hardware and software. Floyd County chose to rely on Hart’s ballot production services to streamline work at the local level. Some jurisdictions bring these functions in-house; Verity’s flexibility allows either option.
“We are looking forward to hands-on testing and training from Hart,” Judge Lucke said. “We are extremely satisfied with their customer service and reliability. It’s their biggest selling point.”
Floyd County joins a growing number of Texas jurisdictions moving to Verity. Since the Texas Secretary of State certified the latest release of the system in late 2016, Hart has shipped more than 7,700 Verity devices across the State. Federally certified in 2015, the secure and efficient system is also in use in numerous counties throughout the U.S.
Braithwaite expects more Texas and national announcements before the November general elections.
Learn more about Verity in Texas: https://www.hartintercivic.com/texas/.
PALO PINTO, Texas, June 5, 2018 – Palo Pinto County Commissioners this week chose the Verity® Voting system to replace outdated equipment before November’s general election. Confidence in Hart InterCivic’s reputation made selecting the most up-to-date technology available in the U.S. an easy decision, said Elections Administrator Laura Watkins.
Watkins had experienced Hart’s customer service first-hand in previous positions and elections. It made sense to move Palo Pinto County from its previous vendor to Hart.
“Hart is here for the long run – I know their people and process first hand,” she said. “Not only is Palo Pinto County investing in the best equipment there is for the voters, but we are investing in the best company and best group of people.”
“We welcome Palo Pinto County to the Hart family,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions. “We appreciate their decision to join a growing list of Texas counties leaving their previous vendor, seeking superior equipment and better customer service. Delivery and training will start soon, and the County’s voters will enjoy secure, efficient elections for many years to come,” he said.
Manufactured in Texas, Verity is designed from the ground up to be flexible, easy to use and trustworthy with all new hardware and software. The system is certified at the federal and state levels.
Watkins said her election workers are looking forward to using the new system, as their voices were part of the decision. “Hart brought in demo machines, and most of my staff got to test the new technology. They LOVED it. They are the ones who will use it, so I am glad they wanted Verity. It is simple and reliable.”
“Hart’s customer service has a family feel. I’ve relied on some of the staff since before electronic voting when they delivered our paper ballots,” said Watkins, who has worked in elections for 16 years (including in another county). “The equipment has proven itself time and time again, but it’s the people we will count on.”
“We are very excited to go back to Hart. They treat the customer with respect, and they are true to their word. If Hart says something will happen, you know it will.”
In addition to the efficiencies that Verity will provide for her office, Watkins is looking forward to durable, lightweight equipment that is easy to store and to transport to Vote Centers.
Palo Pinto County, with about 17,600 registered voters in North Central Texas, joins a growing number of Texas jurisdictions moving to Verity. Since late 2016, Hart has shipped more than 7,500 Verity devices across Texas. Federally certified in 2015, the secure and efficient system is also in use in numerous counties throughout the U.S.
Watkins could not be happier with the County’s decision. “I’m still smiling. Those of us who do election work day in and day out know this is a great move. Anybody I talk to says ‘Go with Hart.’ We’re thrilled.”
Braithwaite expects more Texas and national announcements before the fall elections.
Learn more about Verity in Texas: https://www.hartintercivic.com/texas/.
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said new election equipment and millions of dollars worth of federal election security grants will help to further protect the state’s elections systems this fall.
With the statewide primary election being held in August, residents should be aware that for the first time in 12 years, every voter will be using new election equipment designed with added security measures including optical-scan ballot tabulators, accessible features for voters with disabilities as well as upgraded election-management and reporting software.
In Oakland County, voters will be using election equipment supplied by Hart Intercivic, a Texas-based company that signed a 10-year contract with the county and 10 other counties around the state in 2017.
“Most importantly, every voter across Michigan still will use a good, old-fashioned paper ballot to mark their choices,” said Johnson. “Then they’ll feed the ballot into a new next-generation voting machine. Buying all new election equipment isn’t all we’ve done to safeguard our election system.”
Other added security measures included the state’s acceptance of $11.2 million in federal election security grants, which will improve election systems statewide and strengthen them against attacks.
In addition, required cybersecurity training has been added to the local clerk education programs.
Some of the new upgrades include:
• $40 million worth of next-generation voting equipment: The equipment offers added security features over the older systems, including stronger multi-factor access controls, advanced data encryption and better physical security of tabulator access points with locks and seals. Tabulators are not connected to the internet.
• $11.2 million in election security grants: Michigan Bureau of Elections staff is finalizing how the money will be spent, but the plan will include a strong focus on security assessment, including comprehensive tests and other cybersecurity measures at the state, county and local level. The money is in addition to the extensive cybersecurity efforts already employed by the State of Michigan, which monitors systems for suspicious activity and protects against cyberattacks.
• An upgraded Qualified Voter File system: The system is used by the bureau of elections and local clerks to maintain the state’s registered voter list and other election-related data. Besides being an improved, modern system that will help clerks perform their work more efficiently and effectively, the new system features enhanced security built in.
• Strengthened relations with state and federal law-enforcement and homeland-security agencies: The bureau of elections can report any suspicious activity it detects, cyber or otherwise, with the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center, which shares threat information among local, state and federal agencies, including the FBI, Michigan State Police, Michigan National Guard and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Expanded cybersecurity training for local election officials: Bureau of elections staff are now implementing a continuous multi-course training curriculum for clerks on cybersecurity best practices.
• Post-election audits that now include ballot validation: The bureau of elections and county clerks now include ballot validation in the post-election audit process. After this November’s general election, ballot tabulation validation will be completed for the first time for a statewide election, involving every county with some randomly selected precincts. This process will verify that the voting machines properly tabulated ballots.
PAINT ROCK, Texas, Apr. 24, 2018—Concho County Commissioners have approved the purchase of new election technology to replace an aging system. County election officials chose the Verity® Voting system from trusted provider Hart InterCivic. Concho County has partnered with Hart on elections since 2005, relying on the company’s technology and customer support.
“I love working with Hart; they always do a good job. When we considered a new system, I really didn’t want to work with a different company,” said Phyllis Lovell, Concho County/ District Clerk. “Communications go both ways. I know I can call Hart any time I need help, and they reach out to me when there’s information to share.”
Lovell added, “I knew it was time for a new voting system. My old equipment has been dependable, but it was starting to misbehave. I told my commissioners I wanted something foolproof – especially when their names were on the ballot. I am comfortable with Verity. It’s safe and secure, and the touchscreen is easy to use. The small size is important – my election judges can’t lift big, heavy equipment.”
“We appreciate Concho County’s confidence in Hart. We have had a strong working relationship with the County for many years, and we look forward to continuing to support successful elections there for many more.” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic. Hart is based in Texas and has provided election solutions to jurisdictions of all sizes for more than 100 years.
Hart is a popular choice for election technology in Texas. More than half of the voters in the State cast their ballots on the company’s voting systems. Hart’s Verity Voting, designed and built in Texas, is a natural next step for those ready to modernize.
“I’m excited,” said Lovell. “Life’s going to be easier with this new equipment.”