What is the VVSG?

The Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) are technical standards approved by the EAC that all voting systems certified by the federal government must meet. They  cover testing specifications for accuracy, security, functionality, privacy, usability, and accessibility. While VVSG adoption is voluntary, most States use some aspect of the VVSG for their certification process or as the basis for their voting system approval process.

What VVSG version am I currently using?

ES&S systems being used today are certified to the VVSG 1.0 standards, as are most currently fielded systems. ES&S is developing technology to meet the newest standards, VVSG 2.1.

What is the VVSG 2.0 and VVSG 2.1?

VVSG 2.0 was created several years ago and VVSG 2.1 standards, expected to be finalized in 2025, will incorporate the newest standards for usability, accessibility, security, and interoperability.

Can you explain the new EAC Lifecycle Policy?

Many jurisdictions made significant financial investments in new technology in recent years. To protect this investment, the EAC committed to allowing existing VVSG 1.0 systems to upgrade certain components to the new standards while maintaining a baseline VVSG 1.0 certification. The EAC Lifecycle policy provides a path for VVSG 1.0 systems to continue to receive modifications under certain circumstances for the foreseeable future.

How does this impact my systems?

The EAC Lifecycle Policy defines the categories to which current systems certified to the VVSG 1.0 may
be modified. State and local election officials should become familiar with these requirements. After November 2023, VVSG 1.0 systems may be modified for the following reasons:

•  Security Updates
•  Bug Fixes
•  Replacement of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) components that reach the end of life
•  Jurisdictional Rule Change
•  Updates to VVSG 1.0 systems to add VVSG 2.0 or VVSG 2.1 compliant components

Is my current VVSG 1.0 system capable of being upgraded to VVSG 2.0 or VVSG 2.1?

Specific hardware requirements in may make upgrading existing hardware impractical. For example, it may not be fiscally practical for a jurisdiction to swap out a screen on a tabulator or ballot marking device simply to meet the new screen size and resolution requirements. Fielded systems may maintain a base certification to the VVSG 1.0 for the system’s life while allowing the jurisdiction to slowly transition to a full VVSG 2.1 version over time as hardware components are replaced.

Will my jurisdiction have to wait for a complete VVSG 2.0 or VVSG 2.1 certified system before we can obtain the advantages of the new standards?

ES&S has been actively incorporating many of the updated VVSG requirements into our newer fielded technology.

Although your current system may not be tested to the VVSG 2.0 standards, there are numerous components, especially security related, in our newer systems that adhere to the latest VVSG requirements.

Will I need to purchase an entirely new system to have a complete system compliant with the VVSG 2.0 or VVSG 2.1?

Not necessarily. ES&S will work with customers to transition to a system compliant with VVSG 2.1.

Our jurisdiction plans to purchase a new system in the next few years. Should we wait for the new VVSG 2.1 systems?

If your voting system requires replacement in the next few years, speak with your state account manager or sales representative to discuss your specific timeline. ES&S has been actively incorporating the updated standards into existing VVSG 1.0 systems.

You will find that systems available for purchase today (and for the next few years) will meet your current requirements while providing a transitional path to the VVSG 2.1, even if the base system currently maintains a VVSG 1.0 certification.

If a system replacement is in your four-year outlook, you should consult with your ES&S sales and account representatives to discuss current features versus the features that may be forthcoming in new releases. With that knowledge, you can develop requests for proposals (RFPs) according to your needs.

I have an upcoming procurement. Should we include a requirement that the system complies with VVSG 2.1?

Eventually, you may want to include this requirement; however, at present, you will have more options available to you for consideration if you do not include this as an RFP stipulation.

I still have questions. Who should I contact?

Feel free to contact your State’s ES&S sales or account manager with any questions you may have. If you are unsure who to contact, email us at info@essvote.com, and we will help answer any questions you may have. We are here for you!