Rhode Island SOS Brings Visionary Voting to the State
On Thursday, July 21, the Rhode Island Secretary of State, Nellie M. Gorbea, announced the state would be implementing new voting equipment ahead of their September primary. Modernizing elections for Rhode Islanders has been a huge part of the SOS’ platform and ES&S is happy to be partnering with the state and SOS to achieve this goal. The purchase of DS200® precinct tabulators, Balotar® printers and DS850® central tabulators will improve many aspects of elections for Rhode Island election officials, poll workers and voters — for many years to come.
To read more about Rhode Island’s new voting technology, please read our latest press release below.
*photos sourced from the Rhode Island Department of State
Rhode Island Updates Their Voting Technology With Visionary Voting Products From ES&S
Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea announced today that the state would be implementing new ES&S equipment including the DS200 precinct tabulator, DS850 central tabulator and Balotar on demand printer.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Earlier today, Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea announced Rhode Island’s procurement of new voting technology and hardware ahead of their September Primary Election. This Visionary Voting equipment from Election Systems & Software (ES&S) includes the DS200® in-precinct vote scanner & tabulator, the DS850® high-speed central scanner & tabulator and the Balotar® Ballot on Demand printer.
This announcement ensures Rhode Island will be one of the many states across the country utilizing upgraded voting technology this year, improving the Election Day process for voters.
“Voting equipment is democracy’s infrastructure. When I ran for office, I pledged to Rhode Islanders that I would utilize the latest technology to modernize elections in our state. I’m pleased to make good on that promise today by unveiling new voting equipment,” remarked SOS Gorbea. “These systems will help state elections officials deliver fair, fast and accurate elections.”
Each DS200 unit will help streamline the Election Day process for in-person voters. Wireless capabilities will also speed up reporting time after the polls close, enabling precincts to be 100% reported in less time on Election Night. “Wireless modeming will be a great tool for poll workers and election officials this year,” SOS Gorbea added. The DS850 will process all mail ballots while Rhode Island utilizes the Balotar printers for printing during their emergency ballot period. They will also retain their ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) certified AutoMARK® units for accessible voting.
By the numbers:
- Rhode Island is purchasing 590 DS200 units, two DS850 units and 50 Balotar on demand printers.
- ES&S has a long-term partnership with the state beginning in 1998.
“Rhode Island has selected a technologically advanced system that will serve all voters well during the coming election,” noted Matt Nelson, Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales. “We applaud the SOS’ efforts to improve voting for the people of Rhode Island and look forward to continuing our partnership with the state, election officials and the voters.”