hartcivic, Author at Hart InterCivic

When Kerr County officials decided to replace a voting system that had been in use since 2005, trusted partner Hart InterCivic stood head and shoulders above the competition. Two demos of the new Verity® Voting system, for both poll workers and commissioners, confirmed that Verity was the right choice. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Verity, the most up-to-date election technology available in the United States.

“We have been very pleased with Hart. Their customer service stands out,” said Nadene Alford, Chief Deputy/Election Coordinator. “It was time to go with new technology, so we scheduled demos of Verity. Once we saw Verity in action, and based on our relationship with Hart, we were sold. Our workers were pleased to see a new, easier setup and equipment that is modern overall.”

“Kerr County had a choice, and we appreciate their confidence in Hart and Verity,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions. “We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Kerr County.”

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 purchase a new system. It has the flexibility to be used with paper, hybrid or electronic voting. Kerr County voters will continue using paper ballots, feeding marked ballots into Verity scanners. Verity Touch will provide accessibility features for any voters who need them.

“I’m excited to see how our voters with disabilities like Verity’s touchscreen option. It’s an improvement we appreciate,” said Alford, who has worked in the elections office for 19 years and with Kerr County for 34.

Hart has delivered the new equipment, and Alford is looking forward to Hart’s trainers arriving to work with election staff in January before the May 4 election debut. The new technology will be easy for workers to learn.

Alford expects a smooth transition with Hart, based on years of excellent customer support. “We have never had an issue that wasn’t addressed quickly,” she said.

Kerr 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 8,300 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 the new year as additional jurisdictions choose Verity to replace aging systems.

For the eighth year in a row, Austin-based election solution provider Hart InterCivic has earned an overwhelming vote of confidence from customers nationwide. More than 90 percent have consistently rated customer service as “excellent” or “above average” in the company’s annual customer satisfaction survey.

Customers cited Hart’s professionalism, credibility and responsiveness:

“Hart seems to be one step ahead of the rest of the market. I count on Hart to anticipate the next chapter in elections and to be ready when change happens.”
“The equipment is great, but the relationship you build with Hart is unquestionably the best.”
“I can’t say enough about how responsive Hart is and how well we have been able to work with them to solve problems when they arise.”

Hart’s technology – designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S. – includes the secure, up-to-date Verity® Voting system that is gaining ground as the system of choice across the nation. As more new users of Verity weigh in, their responses paint a solid, positive trend for the modern system now serving close to 7.4 million voters.

Hart has tracked customer satisfaction with a standardized annual survey since 2007, giving customers a consistent method for voicing their feedback. This formal check-in is a cornerstone of fulfilling the company’s ongoing commitment to continuously improving the Hart customer experience.

“We learn a lot by following up with every person who provides feedback,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic. “We are dedicated to providing excellence. Listening and responding to our customers is key to that commitment.”

Responses to the survey indicate that customers value Hart’s commitment to open communication and problem-solving:

“We truly enjoy our collaborative relationship with Hart.”
“Everyone that I encounter is very professional. I’ve never seen anything other than extreme knowledge and passion for the elections process and the accuracy of the voting systems they market.”
“I know there’s no issue that you all can’t solve for us when needed. Knowing that you are there as support gives us so much peace of mind.”

“Our survey is only one of the ways that we stay in touch with our election partners. With 100-plus years of election experience, we know the value of nurturing honest, long-lasting relationships,” said Braithwaite. “Customer satisfaction and loyalty are key to our company’s growth.”

SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 16, 2018 – The California Secretary of State announced today it has certified the Verity® Voting system from Hart InterCivic. This much-anticipated certification of Verity clears the way for election officials to begin replacing outdated voting systems with Verity, the modern, secure system that fits the ways California votes – whether by mail or at a vote center or polling site.

“We applaud the State’s certification team for its rigorous vetting of our state-of-the-art system,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions across the U.S. “California’s Verity certification brings a better choice to the State. Counties can now purchase Verity Voting – the only all-new election solution certified to the latest California standards.

“As the most recently State-certified system, Verity was tested and proven against the strictest security standards in the U.S. – it is the most secure system available today,” Braithwaite said. “We are eager to show California voters an easier, more trustworthy experience.”

Designed to support California Voter’s Choice Act requirements such as by-mail voting and Vote Centers, Verity advantages for California counties include:

Best-in-industry security protocols to safeguard the sanctity of the vote, including encryption, two-factor authentication, redundant data storage and more
Easiest to use system for voters and election officials, with plain-language instructions and consistently user-friendly software and hardware design
Highest return on county investment because Verity is a modern hardware and software platform, and not a continuation or extension of a legacy system
Cost-saving system and support approach, with compact, lightweight polling place devices that conserve storage and transportation costs, a robust design that eliminates the need for costly vendor maintenance and Hart’s vendor-direct model that does away with hidden fees

“This latest certification of our proven Verity system demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the State of California,” said Braithwaite. “Hart has provided voting system solutions to California counties since 2006, and the needs of the State’s evolving election administration landscape are native to Verity’s design.

“We pioneered digital ballot scanning more than a decade ago. Our unmatched experience with the technology shows in Verity’s efficient, flexible and transparent handling of by-mail ballots. For jurisdictions in California, where by-mail ballot volumes are rapidly increasing, this expertise makes a difference.”

For more information on the Verity Voting system in California, please visit https://www.hartintercivic.com/state/california.

Engaged in election security year-round, Hart InterCivic, a top voting system manufacturer based in Austin, Texas, supported the security of this November’s midterm elections at the national level and for customers coast to coast.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) staffed a “situation room” on Election Day to escalate vigilance against any attempts to meddle in this year’s midterms. Hart’s Peter Lichtenheld, CERA, Vice President of Customer Success, was present throughout the day to assist in monitoring the operation of Hart’s voting systems, deployed in 18 states.

“Nearly every issue reported by the voting system vendors present in the DHS situation room was related to equipment being outdated,” said Lichtenheld. “To be clear, by ‘voting system,’ I mean the hardware and software that captures and tabulates voters’ choices. Jurisdictions that have already replaced their old systems are definitely ahead of the game. It’s time.”

“Protecting the integrity of elections is a commitment Hart has kept since our start in 1912. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, coordinating security efforts with our local, state and national partners is critical. We are dedicated participants in initiatives such as DHS’ Nov. 6 monitoring and are charter members of the DHS election security Sector Coordinating Council (SCC) for the Election Infrastructure Subsector, a public/private partnership that aims to secure the United States’ voting infrastructure. Hart is also an IT-ISAC member company and actively contributes to the organization’s collaborative efforts to address cybersecurity challenges.”

Hart’s focus is supporting its customers in conducting secure, accurate, transparent elections. In 2015, the company introduced its new Verity® Voting system, designed from the ground up to leverage industry-best security features. Since its launch, Verity has successfully completed five federal testing and certification cycles with the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and has undergone additional independent testing for its certification in 13 states.

Hart’s services are also designed to strengthen customers’ threat resistance. In the months leading up to this year’s midterms, Hart equipped customers with security updates and operational recommendations. Known for top notch customer support, Hart provides its customers with unlimited, 24/7 access to expert support. The company staffed its Election Day call center with a larger-than-average team of support personnel and deployed on-site assistants to work side by side with election officials in the field as needed.

“Making sure votes are counted securely and accurately is central to the way Hart designs and delivers our election technology and services,” said Lichtenheld. “We see our customers consistently canvassing on schedule with no contested races. This is our ultimate measure of success.”

Voter turnout for the Texas midterm election was record breaking, with more than 8.3 million registered voters casting ballots. More than half of the state’s registered voters cast ballots securely on election systems from Texas-based Hart InterCivic.

“We are proud of the trustworthy and transparent Hart election systems that allowed so many Texans to make their voices heard. Spirits were high, and turnout was formidable for this election cycle. We knew our systems would deliver the reliable election experience that our many partners deserve and expect,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions across the U.S.

Hart’s technology – designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S. – is supported by top-rated customer service year-round. In the company’s 2018 survey, one Texas customer cited “top-notch consistency in customer service, IT support, ballot production and more.” Another respondent commented, “Everyone that I encounter is very professional. I’ve never seen anything other than extreme knowledge and passion for the elections process and the accuracy of the voting systems they market.”

A growing number of long-time Hart customers are replacing Hart’s legacy voting system with the company’s new Verity® Voting system, the only all-new election system certified at the state and federal levels. In Texas, 37 counties rely on Verity, first federally certified in 2015. Additional counties have purchased the system, and the number continues to grow.

Voters in 12 Texas counties used Verity for the first time on Nov. 6. The system’s ease of use, combined with Hart’s proven implementation and training approach, enabled these jurisdictions to come up to speed quickly and conduct trouble-free elections.

Since the Texas Secretary of State certified the latest release of the Verity system in late 2016, Hart has shipped more than 8,200 Verity devices across Texas. Verity is a natural next step for those ready to replace existing systems and has flexibility to be used with paper, electronic or hybrid voting.

“Inquiries about Verity are picking up as more Texas counties realize the advantages of staying with – or moving to – a trusted partner to adopt up-to-date technology with a long projected life span,” Braithwaite said. “We look forward to another 100 years helping to preserve our democracy through safe, secure Hart systems.

Learn more about Verity in Texas: https://www.hartintercivic.com/texas

With record-turnout midterm elections underway, Hart InterCivic applauds election workers nationwide on their efforts to ensure all voters’ voices are heard. Secure, transparent, efficient elections are top priority for Hart, one of the nation’s pre-eminent voting system technology and service providers.

“Developing and supporting election technology that earns voter trust is at the heart of our mission,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions across the U.S. “Our pledge to enable secure, trustworthy voting drives our decisions as we work with jurisdictions across the U.S. to make every Election Day a success.”

Whether jurisdictions are using the company’s new Verity® Voting system, first federally certified in 2015, or our legacy Hart Voting System, Hart works year-round with customers to safeguard the reliability and accuracy of both the technology and the processes election teams use to tally voters’ choices. The following are examples of the steps Hart takes to support its customers in protecting the sanctity of the vote:

Designing, engineering and manufacturing its voting systems in the U.S.
Adhering stringently to the latest security protocols in designing its new Verity system from the ground up
Remaining supportive of and engaged in federal and state certification programs
Partnering with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the Center for Internet Security (CIS), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and others to ensure the company is doing everything it can to contribute to secure elections and to share important learnings with customers
Providing customers with 24 x 7 access to expert support for the company’s election technology
Equipping customers with security updates and operational recommendations through in-person training, in-depth product and procedure documentation, webinars, knowledge base articles, newsletters, advisory bulletins, daily best practice reminders and more

“Citizens’ confidence in the electoral process is central to our democracy,” said Braithwaite. “Hart is going to continue to do all we can to foster that confidence.”

Today the Texas Secretary of State, Rolando Pablos, issued a very clear and unambiguous statement confirming that the Hart eSlate voting device continues to work properly in early voting. Several highlights from the Secretary’s statement:

“It is important for all voters in the 82 Texas counties utilizing the Hart InterCivic eSlate to understand that the voting machines are not malfunctioning, nor are they arbitrarily “switching” the choices of voters who cast a straight-party ballot.”
“Moreover, the Secretary of State’s office has observed a disturbing trend where misinformation is being spread regarding the scale and the impact of these reported instances. This has the potential consequence of raising unnecessary alarm about the integrity of Texas’ voting systems and discouraging eligible Texas voters from casting their ballots.”
“No one is more committed to ensuring the integrity of Texas’ elections than the statewide and local officials who are responsible for administering those elections. The Secretary of State’s office has worked diligently to foster an environment of trust and confidence which can unfortunately be eroded by misinformation, false narratives, and bad-faith accusations.”
“Each eligible Texas voter heading to the polls during this final week of Early Voting and on Election Day can rest assured that their vote will be cast and counted exactly as they intended.”
“I hereby ask all Texans to pass along this message to their friends, neighbors, and families in order to help stop the rampant dissemination of misinformation, which is unduly causing great consternation for Texas voters and eroding trust in our election system.”

You can read the Secretary’s entire statement here: https://www.sos.texas.gov/about/newsreleases/2018/102718.shtml

Hart proudly stands behind our voting systems and our customers. We are focused on continuing to provide the industry’s best customer service and support as Local and State Election Officials do the hard work of managing the 2018 election cycle.

UNION CITY and CAMDEN, Tennessee, Oct. 16, 2018 – Verity® Voting, the most modern, secure election technology available, debuted seamlessly in elections in two Tennessee counties in August. The counties of Obion and Benton gave high marks to the flexible Verity system from Hart InterCivic and praised customer service from Harp Enterprises, an exclusive reseller for Hart election solutions in Tennessee and several nearby states.

“We’ve had no second thoughts. Everything went off without a hitch,” said Obion County Administrator of Elections Leigh Schlager. Obion County replaced a 16-year-old system from another vendor with the new Verity direct record electronic (DRE) option.

“Our voters liked it a lot. They commented that the screen was very bright and clear. Our voters that use wheelchairs found the setup a little easier and at the right height. Poll workers said it was easy to learn, and its compact size made a world of difference. As for me, I loved the reporting software. It is failsafe – to prevent over-counting – and it’s easy to understand.”

“Results were much faster, too,” she added. “Verity cut reporting time in half.”

In Benton County where paper ballots are used, Administrator of Elections Mark Ward was happy with a smooth transition to Verity from an earlier Hart system. “It was great. There were no problems, and our voters barely noticed a change. Of course, we’ve used the Hart paper ballot system since 2009 and never had a voter complaint,” he said. “We’ve been happy since day one.”

Schlager, who has served in Obion County since 2008, credits Harp customer support for the easy switch to a new system. “I have never experienced service like this. I can honestly say ‘better service for less expense.’ Verity came in within budget and within what counties can afford. It’s great to work with a company so experienced in the election world.”

“Another huge plus is that Verity allows us to remain paperless at this time. But its flexible design means we can convert to paper ballots if desired or mandated,” she said. “As good stewards of our county’s money, we have a compliant option without needing to invest in a whole new system if mandates change down the road.”

Ward, in Benton County since 2007, praises customer support and a long relationship with Harp. “Before elections, we talk on a daily basis. You can’t beat customer service from Harp. They bend over backwards to make it easy on us.”

Schlager said they felt some pressure about being one of the first counties in Tennessee to use Verity, but she has no worries after her county’s successful vote. “November? Bring it on!”

Another new Verity partner, Marion County, will debut the Verity Touch DRE (electronic) voting system in November, along with many new users across the U.S.

As for other jurisdictions considering a switch to Verity, Ward has this advice: “We are very confident in Harp and Verity. You owe it to yourself to look at this technology. Your Board will be happy, and you will be too.”

“This Tennessee election is a great example of how Verity allows jurisdictions to make strides forward as they replace aging equipment,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic. “Verity is the newest comprehensive system certified in the U.S. that provides both electronic and paper voting. Obion County chose electronic while Benton County chose paper. Both held successful elections with Verity. We are proud of their success and our strong heritage in Tennessee through our partner, Harp Enterprises.”

For more information on the Verity Voting system, please visit www.hartintercivic.com/voting-solutions/verityoverview/.

VANCOUVER, Washington, October 16, 2018 – After a competitive procurement process, Clark County, Washington has purchased the new Verity® Voting system from trusted solution provider Hart InterCivic. County election stakeholders formed an evaluation team to vet available options through a request for proposals process that included written responses and in-person equipment demonstrations. The team unanimously identified Hart as providing the best value and product.

“Hart has been a great partner for a long time,” said Greg Kimsey, Clark County Auditor. “We’ve had a very good experience with Hart products and service. Our existing system has served us well, and the service is excellent.”

Clark County receives as many as 210,000 voted ballots over an 18-day period; as many 50,000 arrive on or right after Election Day. The County records voters’ choices through a high-speed scanning process; then a closely observed team resolves any voter choices that are not clear when ballots are scanned. Election results are not tabulated until after 8 p.m. on Election Night.

For each of these steps – scanning the voted ballots, resolving voter intent issues, and tabulating results, Kimsey described Verity features that gave the team a comfort level the other systems didn’t provide.

Regarding scanning, Kimsey said, “We like that Verity doesn’t let you scan the same ballot more than once on a specific scanning machine. This prevents errors.”

About ballot resolution, he said, “Verity’s process of resolving ballots on-screen is easy to understand – not just for staff but for observers.”

About protecting against tabulating election results too soon, Kimsey said, “With Verity, tabulation software is not present on the machine used for scanning and resolution. The process is easy to control and to explain to election observers and the public. We keep our tabulation machine in a secured, sealed, locked room from well before the election until 8 p.m. on Election Night. People like this – it’s a clean process.”

Kimsey added, “Verity’s ballot layout is easy to use. For example, you can establish fold lines and see where they’ll be on the ballot before you print. Also, Verity is more flexible than other systems in the paper sizes you can use to print ballots.”

“Clark County has selected the system that will best serve its voters well into the future, and we are proud to continue to support this forward-looking jurisdiction,” said Phillip Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hart InterCivic, an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions. “Hart pioneered digital ballot scanning, and our decade-plus experience with the technology has strongly influenced Verity’s design, as has feedback from our many Washington customers.”

“Hart’s knowledge and expertise with by-mail voting are evident,” said Kimsey. “The features that contributed to our choosing Verity reflect that long experience. The company is clearly committed to providing systems that are highly functional and usable. It’s gratifying to see that Verity incorporates improvements we’ve suggested over the years. We see that Hart has been listening.”

Federally and state certified since 2015, Verity is 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.

BIG LAKE, Texas, October 11, 2018 – When Reagan County officials decided it was time to replace voting equipment in use since 2005, County and District Clerk Terri Curry turned first to longtime election partner Hart InterCivic and the new Verity® Voting system, the most up-to-date election technology available in the United States.

“I heard good things about Verity, especially from neighboring Irion County,” Curry said. “They chose Verity last year and have been very happy with smooth elections.”

A flexible, trustworthy system, Verity is built to be user-friendly and secure. The system is backed by a proven provider with long-term, boots-on-the-ground election experience.

“Reagan County is a valued partner, and we look forward to continuing to support their election success 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. “Verity is the best choice for the County’s elections today and in 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 election technology, and Verity is a natural next step for those ready to modernize.

Officials in the West Texas county chose Verity after an onsite demonstration this summer. “Our commissioners appreciated a stable, dependable option. We never had a problem with our existing equipment, but nothing is built to last forever,” said Curry. “Our voters are going to be excited, too. They have always wanted touchscreens, and Verity is so easy to learn.”

“Continuing to work with Hart is a bonus. Their customer service is the best – it’s built on trust. We have a great relationship with their staff and know them by name,” continued Curry, who has 20 years of experience in her election role.

Hart has delivered the new equipment, and Curry is looking forward to Hart’s trainers arriving to work with election staff before the November General Election.

“I’m confident in Hart’s approach to training. Maybe a little nervous, but Hart will be here for us. I know that no matter what happens, I can count on their support. Everyone I work with at Hart is helpful and friendly,” she said.

Reagan 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/