Voters in Wyoming will use ES&S paper-based voting systems to cast their ballot starting in November 2020.
“Wyoming has signed a contract, formed a new partnership and purchased the most secure and up-to-date voting equipment on the market,” said Secretary of State Edward Buchanan.
Secretary of State’s Office Awards Contract for Election Equipment
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Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office
CHEYENNE, Wyo., Oct. 16, 2019 — Today the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office announces that a final contract has been awarded to Election Systems & Software (ES&S) for the purchase of election equipment for all 23 Wyoming counties. New equipment will be in place for the 2020 Election.
“Wyoming’s elections are held with integrity from beginning to end, and Election Day 2020 will be no different. After a diligent and thorough evaluation process, made possible thanks to an appropriation from the legislature in 2019, Wyoming has signed a contract, formed a new partnership and purchased the most secure and up-to-date voting equipment on the market,” said Secretary of State Edward Buchanan.
A working group established by the Secretary of State’s Office chose ES&S after a competitive bidding process. The group included five current county clerks, one former county clerk and four staff members from the Secretary of State’s Office.
“Security measures on election equipment have certainly advanced in the 15 years since the State of Wyoming last purchased equipment. Wyoming’s elections will benefit from these security advancements. Each ballot will be printed on paper – always creating an audit trail that can be used to confirm the accuracy of every single vote. Voting systems are air-gapped and will never connect to the internet,” said State Election Director Kai Schon. “ES&S has implemented the best security measures and their systems have been tried and tested over years of successful elections in Wyoming.”
The new election equipment combines the security of a paper ballot and the speed and accuracy of advanced scanning systems. Votes on paper ballots are recorded on the scanner, and the paper ballots are securely saved for auditing and verification of results. The purchased systems include the ExpressVote® ballot-marking device, DS200® ballot scanner and vote tabulator, DS450® high capacity central scanner and tabulator, and Electionware® election management software.
“I personally appreciate the process and the inclusion of county clerks every step of the way,” said Linda Fritz, Crook County Clerk and president of the County Clerks Association of Wyoming. “The process for choosing new election equipment has truly been a team effort and will produce a great result for Wyoming voters.”
The new secure, accurate and accessible voting systems have been certified by the Federal Election Assistance Commission, and will be tested and certified by the State of Wyoming upon delivery and prior to implementation.
“We are honored to partner with Wyoming and its counties as they continue to deliver successful elections to voters across the state,” said Lori Mommaerts, ES&S regional sales manager. “We take immense pride in the quality of our products and services and we look forward to continuing our successful long-term partnership.”
Learn more about ES&S at www.essvote.com and visit the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website for information on the 2020 Election.
MEDIA CONTACT: Will Dinneen, 307-777-5365
SOURCE Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office
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