MADISONVILLE, Texas, Dec. 21, 2016 – When Madison County voters cast their ballots in the local elections on May 6, 2017, they’ll be using the most advanced voting system certified for elections in the U.S.
The Verity® Voting system from Hart InterCivic, having undergone rigorous testing at both the federal and state levels, now provides a new electronic voting option for Texas jurisdictions. Verity’s electronic voting device, Touch, will replace Madison County’s aging first-generation electronic system from Hart. Touch is the only new electronic voting device certified for use in Texas. It will allow the county to continue to offer its voters the convenience of Vote Centers, which require electronic voting.
Maintaining the superior customer service and mutually beneficial partnership they have had with Hart for more than a decade made Verity the obvious choice in Madison County, according to Elections Administrator Earl Parker.
“We are extremely pleased with Hart’s customer service,” Parker said. “I’ve been in this office for nine years, and they have never disappointed. Support is one of our main reasons for sticking with Hart. If we have a question, they have an answer. Or, if they don’t, they get it right away.”
Parker is also looking forward to moving to the easy-to-use touchscreen technology in Madison County. “It seems to be designed to make voting more straightforward, and I think it will be easier for our poll workers to learn,” he said.
“I’m eager to be getting out front with this new technology. I’ve always been concerned about equipment and software becoming obsolete,” he added.
“We are not surprised to see Madison County moving quickly into the next generation of voting technology, and we are proud to help them get there,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic. “The county’s forward-looking leadership positions them among the very first in Texas to move up to Verity. In fact, the first shipment of equipment is scheduled for delivery this week.”
Madison County decision-makers were especially impressed by four particular features of Verity Touch that will improve the experiences of voters and poll workers: the modern and intuitive touchscreen, the compact size and light weight of the devices, the voter convenience features, and the accessible independence the system provides for all voters in a variety of scenarios.
The Verity touchscreen replaces a dial and button system and will be quicker and easier for voters. Because it uses the latest touchscreen technology, Verity avoids the calibration concerns that plagued first-generation touchscreen voting machines. The 28-pound devices are enclosed in compact and self-contained briefcases for efficient transportation and storage. Voters can switch between available ballot languages at any point in the voting process, adjust the font size and/or contrast on the screen, and control both the speed and the volume of the audio if they are using the headphones. To serve voters who cannot enter the polling place due to physical disabilities, poll workers need only turn a key and lift out the 6 pound, ruggedized tablet from its base to carry it outside; there are no fasteners to disconnect and then reconnect, no cables to control, no attachment points to manage.
Madison County poll workers will continue to enjoy the enormous benefits of Hart’s unique controller-model voting system, which can connect up to 12 voting terminals for central management from a single console. Since all of the cast vote records from all of the voting terminals in each particular polling place are consolidated in real time in the Verity Controller, poll workers will only close polls on one device at the end of the day and run one set of reports, with no need to extract data from every device separately. And with only one data storage medium per polling place to read into the tabulation computer at the elections office, election night results reporting is fast.
Madison County’s election office staff will also realize some dramatic increases in efficiency with the new system. The time-consuming process of clearing off the old election data from each machine before each new election is completely automated in the new system, as are all of the data backup procedures for the devices after each election. Warehouse labor is therefore greatly reduced with Verity.
“Texas election officials are taking notice of the newest Verity enhancements,” Braithwaite said. “This all-new, integrated system accommodates any voting style from a unified platform.”
BRANDON, Mississippi, Dec. 20 – Rankin County is scrapping outdated voting equipment in favor of Hart InterCivic’s Verity® Voting system, the most technologically advanced election system in the U.S. – and one that is certified by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). With about 86,000 registered voters, Rankin is the first county in Mississippi to upgrade to the easy-to-use Verity system. The county plans to start training staff and poll workers next month.
After a thorough evaluation process, the selection committee’s decision to choose Verity was unanimous. Hart stood out in the bidding process; versatile Verity technology allows counties to choose between electronic and paper ballot configurations.
In 2017, Rankin County voters will cast their votes by scanning their marked paper ballots in the polling place. This marks a shift from the electronic voting method the county has used for more than 10 years. Hart’s 100+ years of election experience and its expertise in the change management methods needed to transition to new voting technology were factors in the county’s decision.
“We look forward to working with Rankin County not as just a vendor, but as a partner,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic. “We see growing interest in Mississippi in the efficiency and transparency Verity brings to the election process. We are committed to the success of elections in Rankin County and across the state.”
With Rankin’s selection of Verity, Mississippi becomes the sixth state in the U.S. to adopt this forward-looking technology. The system includes ADA-compliant features that enable all voters to vote privately and independently. Other features that caught decision-makers’ eyes include:
- Easy-to-use scanning and ballot marking for voters
- Powerful new election management software for increased efficiency and security
- Compact, lightweight briefcase-style machines, saving storage space
- Efficient transport, set-up and take-down at precincts
- First-class training and support
Another Verity advantage may not be as visible, but is critical to Rankin County. Verity enables straightforward import of data from the state election management system, making the process of building ballots much easier for election workers. It also automates the transmission of election results for state reporting.
Based in Austin, Texas, Hart currently provides election solutions to more than 560 jurisdictions nationwide, including the State of Oklahoma, the State of Hawaii and two of the five largest counties in the nation — Harris County, Texas, and Orange County, California.
Learn more about the Verity Voting system: www.hartintercivic.com/verityoverview
GRAHAM, Texas, Dec. 20, 2016 — Thanks to recent system certification by the State of Texas, officials in Young County are moving quickly forward with an election system replacement they have eyed since 2014.
The new Verity Touch electronic voting system from Hart InterCivic makes voting straightforward with an easy to read touchscreen. The compact, lightweight devices save cost and effort for storage, transport and setup.
Based on rigorous testing, the Texas Secretary of State’s office this month certified the second major release of the Verity® Voting System from Hart InterCivic, including Verity Touch. Young County is the first Texas jurisdiction to acquire the touchscreen electronic voting system. Election Administrator Lauren Sullivan encouraged Commissioners to choose the most up-to-the-minute digital solution available in the U.S. and was thrilled when it received statewide certification Dec.15.
“This has been one of the happiest weeks of my professional life. I am over the moon about the new Verity system,” Sullivan said. “I knew from the moment I first saw a demonstration that Verity is the fastest and easiest solution for our voters. They will love the touchscreen.”
“The touchscreen should eliminate a lot of voter issues and problems,” agreed Young County Judge John C. Bullock. “I’ve seen a lot of people want to reach out and touch the old voting screen.”
“We’re proud to be on the cutting edge of election technology with this Hart partnership,” Bullock continued. “I’ve developed a lot of confidence in Hart over the years, and I commend them for their help during this transition. Now, I want to see those machines delivered so we can show our voters!”
Delivery of the new equipment is expected in early January, and the process to replace the 11-year-old system and train elections staff will begin. Sullivan also is looking forward to Verity’s compact, lightweight configuration.
“The Verity size is like a briefcase, and so much lighter than the old equipment. I can make one trip to the polling place instead of two or three,” Sullivan said. “Plus, it will be more accessible to our voters with disabilities.”
Sullivan called Hart’s customer service “fantastic” through the purchasing process. Staying with Hart means the county can continue to rely on the outstanding customer service they have had for more than a decade. Plus, committing early saved money for the jurisdiction.
The Help America Vote Act (2002) required counties across the United States to implement accessible voting systems for the first time, and in Texas, most counties put those systems in place in 2005. Technology has moved quickly since then, bringing enormous improvements in usability and efficiency, and technical devices that are over a decade old need to be replaced. Young County was proactive in recognizing this necessity, and scores of other Texas counties are now making the same change.
“Hart has supported elections in Young County since 2005, and their confidence in our products and customer service speaks volumes about that relationship,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic. “They were first in line to choose Verity in Texas, and the county will benefit from the modern, versatile system for years to come.”
Verity Touch is the only new direct-recording electronic (DRE) device on the market that is certified to current federal and state guidelines.
With Young County’s adoption of Verity, jurisdictions across eight states have chosen the system for their voters. The version certified in Texas this month was designed to meet the needs of longtime and new Texas customers. Hart, which provides voting system solutions for 110 Texas counties, has headquarters in Austin and more than 100 years of history in the election business.
Braithwaite anticipates more Verity announcements from Texas counties in the coming weeks.
AUSTIN, Texas, December 16, 2016 – The Texas Secretary of State announced today that it certified the newest release of the Verity® Voting system from Hart InterCivic. More than half of Texas counties vote electronically, and this latest Texas certification of Verity clears the way for election officials to begin upgrading electronic voting systems with state-of-the-art hardware and software that is tailored to the way Texas votes.
“Verity was born and raised in Texas, and we are proud to reach this certification milestone on our home turf,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of election experience in Texas and across the nation.
“Many of our election partners in Texas rely on electronic voting. We designed this version of Verity with their input. The system is particularly well suited to the growing number of accessible, user-friendly and convenient Vote Centers and Early Voting options in the state. Dozens of Texas counties are lined up to take Verity for a test drive. We anticipate new commitments soon,” Braithwaite added.
Unlike other direct record electronic (DRE) voting systems, Verity uses a centralized approach to setting up and managing individual voting devices. A single console (Verity Controller) monitors and controls as many as 12 terminals connected using a unique “daisy-chain” configuration. This reduces the chance for error and cuts costly, repetitive tasks for elections staff and poll workers.
The system’s easy-to-use touch screen is familiar to voters who have come to expect the latest technology. A lightweight portable tablet allows poll workers to facilitate accommodations for voters with disabilities in a variety of settings.
Additionally, the new Verity AutoBallot option integrates electronic poll books with electronic or paper-based voting. By automatically selecting the proper ballot style based on the check-in process, AutoBallot ensures accuracy and speeds up the voting process to reduce long lines at the polling place.
These features and every other Verity function were carefully vetted during the Texas certification process. Examiners for the state also verified installation procedures, sample ballot scenarios and accessibility. Finally, hearings were held to allow input from the public. Verity has passed test after test.
Combined with the rigors of federal certification by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), Texas’ process assures election stakeholders that the system will deliver trustworthy results on behalf of the state’s voters.
Verity Voting was first certified by the EAC in May 2015 and is already in use in five states, with combined voter registration of more than 1.5 million.
For more information on the Verity Voting system, please visit www.hartintercivic.com/verityoverview.
Austin, Texas, Nov. 16, 2016 – Voters in hundreds of cities and counties across 17 states cast their ballots in the 2016 General Election using voting systems from Hart InterCivic.
“In an election year with unprecedented voter interest, election officials and their staffs across the nation have worked tirelessly for many months to ensure that the systems, materials, trained poll workers and all else needed are in place so that voters experience a successful General Election. Hart is proud to provide reliable technology and services that facilitate the election process and protect the sanctity of the vote,” said Hart InterCivic President and CEO Phillip Braithwaite.
A pioneer in innovative election technology, Hart first introduced the legacy Hart Voting System in 2000. Hart’s newer Verity Voting system was first introduced to the market in 2015. Verity builds on the earlier system’s ground-breaking digital technology and incorporates the latest security protocols, robust user interfaces and numerous other updates in a freshly conceived, integrated system that meets modern federal and state certification demands.
“For more than 100 years,” Braithwaite added, “Hart has provided solutions that make election administration more efficient and effective. Our culture is centered on an absolute commitment to customer service. On an Election Night such as this historic one, our commitment pays off as we see customers posting accurate, auditable results.”
The November 2016 election was Verity’s first Presidential Election. Used in jurisdictions across five states, the system passed the test with flying colors, as evidenced by comments from Hart customers.
“We always have a successful election with Hart equipment; we’ve never had a hiccup with a machine. I’ve been happy with Hart from Day One. I think it’s beneficial to have a concentration of counties with the same vendor, so I supported my neighboring counties in choosing Hart and Verity by providing positive recommendations of both. For this General Election, three counties pooled resources for on-site Election Day support, which worked very well. We used a DRE voting system in the past, and our voters were excited to receive paper ballots for this election. They liked how quickly the scanner takes the ballot, reads both sides at once and displays the waving flag once they cast their vote. Our election officers are really happy with the machines, too. Once they set the unit up, they just press one button to turn it on.” – Kelly LaFollette, General Registrar, Essex County, Virginia
“In Ada County, our focus is to provide all voters the opportunity to vote with confidence and ease, knowing their choices are recorded accurately. Voters liked the new system, and the equipment functioned properly throughout the election. With more than 200,000 voters participating, the system’s ability to handle a large volume of ballots efficiently allowed us to provide final results as quickly as possible.” – Phil McGrane, Chief Deputy, Clerk’s Office, Ada County, Idaho
With the 2016 Presidential Election behind them, many Hart customers are eager to make the shift to Verity, as the following quote describes.
“We’ve been with Hart since 2005, and we trust our voting system completely. This election couldn’t have gone any smoother; we didn’t have a lot of questions about the equipment or long lines. We were home before 10 on Election Night! We plan on moving to Hart’s Verity system because it’s time for a newer system. We’re excited about Verity’s touch screens; first-time voters are more familiar with touch screens. Also, the lighter-weight equipment will be easier for our election judges to manage. We’re ready to move forward.” – Laurie Mangum, Joint Elections Administrator, Eastland County, Texas
Braithwaite concluded, “We are geared up to meet the demand for Verity and to assist jurisdictions across the country in modernizing their voting technology.”
BOISE, Idaho, Nov. 3, 2016 – While school board elections in Boise City will never get the attention that this month’s national vote is garnering, that’s okay with district officials. They are pleased that their recent trustee election was smooth and uneventful – results were available within hours, thanks to the Verity® Voting system.
Earlier this year, the Independent School District of Boise chose Hart InterCivic’s Verity to replace an aging and time-consuming system that required hand counting ballots. The Verity system and Hart services helped deliver accurate election results quickly, just months after the purchase.
“Our experience was excellent. We were able to scan our ballots, issue reports and review results within three hours of the polls closing,” said Jennette Clark, Clerk of the Board.
The Verity Central high-speed ballot scanner features advanced software that makes it easy for election officials to manage large volumes of ballots efficiently, capturing voters’ choices marked on paper ballots. The District used Verity Count to tabulate results, reporting the tally in record time. Verity Touch Writer was on hand at Election Central to enable voters with disabilities to mark their ballots using assistive devices if needed.
“One of the great advantages of the Hart InterCivic Verity equipment is that it is based upon using printed ballots that are scanned, thereby ensuring security and the ability to recount and verify results,” Clark said.
Another advantage of the new system is that it was also chosen by Ada County, where Verity was successfully launched in March and used again in the May Primary, for some 215,000 registered voters. “Voters within our district boundaries all live within Ada County,” Clark added. Poll workers trained for the Ada County elections were well versed in how to operate the easy-to-use Verity system for the trustee election.
“As more jurisdictions in Idaho and the Northwest choose Verity, we see more sharing of best practices and training techniques,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic. “More voters are becoming familiar with the easy-to-use system, and the word is spreading.”
Customer service was also a consideration for Boise officials who were assisted by a Hart professional during ballot counting. The results earned this strong endorsement for the Hart team:
“We recommend Hart InterCivic as our vendor of choice for both the equipment and the service,” Clark said.
“We thank Boise schools for the vote of confidence and look forward to a healthy partnership as Hart’s presence in the state continues to grow,” Braithwaite said.
Officials seeking a demonstration of the Verity system should call 512-252-6409.
Learn more about the Verity Voting system: www.hartintercivic.com/verityoverview.