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Voting System Replacement News and Information

The SEC is in the process of replacing its current, paperless statewide voting system with a new voting system solution that features a paper record of each voter’s voted ballot.  On this page, you will find news, information and informative links related to the replacement effort.

Voting System Replacement Facts:

  • South Carolina’s next voting system will have a paper record of every vote cast.
  • Any new voting system must be certified by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). 
  • Any new voting system must be tested and approved for use by the SEC. 
  • Any new voting system must allow voters with disabilities to vote independently and without assistance.
  • The procurement process will be overseen by the S.C. Department of Administration and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority.
  • The SEC is vendor and system neutral and is committed to a fair and open process following the state Consolidated Procurement Code.
  • Procurement code requires the selection to be made by an evaluation panel. The panel will consist of the five members of the State Election Commission.
  • Subject matter experts in the fields of cybersecurity, voter accessibility, voting systems, and election administration will advise the evaluation panel.
  • Post-election audits, including risk-limiting audits, will be a requirement.
  • The evaluation process will consider many factors including the total cost of ownership over the life of the system. 
  • The goal is for the new system to be used in all elections beginning January 1, 2020.  
  • Read the Statewide Voting System Joint Resolution: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess123_2019-2020/bills/4157.htm

Request for Proposals (RFP) - December 7, 2018

RFP Press Release - December 7, 2018

Report of the S.C. General Assembly's Joint Voting System Research Committee - March 17, 2016

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