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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: June 17, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-g <br /> SUBJECT: Approval of Acquisition of ElectionWare 5.2.4.0 Election Management Software <br /> DEPARTMENT: Board of Elections <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Homeland Security Grant Program Grant Rachel Raper, Director of Elections, <br /> Award to County Boards of Elections 919-245-2351 <br /> for Unity Upgrade <br /> Resolution to Make a Final <br /> Recommendation to the BOCC on the <br /> Acquisition of Voting Equipment <br /> State Board of Elections Approval of <br /> Orange County Request for <br /> Replacement of County Voting System <br /> PURPOSE: To approve the acquisition of ElectionWare 5.2.4.0 Election Management Software <br /> from Election Systems & Software, LLC (ES&S), in accordance with North Carolina General <br /> Statute § 163-165.8 and as recommended by the Orange County Board of Elections. <br /> BACKGROUND: Orange County must replace its current election management software, Unity <br /> 3.4.1.1, as it no longer meets State-mandated security and support standards. The only <br /> compatible and certified replacement for the County's existing voting equipment is ES&S Voting <br /> System 5.2.4.0 ElectionWare. This transition is required under guidance from the North Carolina <br /> State Board of Elections (Numbered Memo 2021-01), which outlines statewide requirements for <br /> voting system upgrades. To support this effort, the State Board has secured Homeland Security <br /> Grant Program funding to help counties implement certified replacements. The upgrade will not <br /> affect the voter experience and ensures continued compliance with certification and security <br /> standards. <br /> The Orange County Board of Elections has completed all statutory steps required under N.C. <br /> General Statute § 163-165.9 for the replacement of the County's current election management <br /> software system: <br /> • Demonstration of multiple certified voting systems was conducted on April 15, 2025. <br /> • A preliminary recommendation to acquire the ES&S ElectionWare 5.2.4.0 voting system <br /> was made via a letter signed by the Board of Elections members. <br /> • The recommended system was tested in a simulated election on May 20, 2025. <br /> • The Board of Elections has determined that the ES&S Election Voting System 5.2.4.0 <br /> meets the requirements for use in Orange County. <br /> • The State Board of Elections approved the voting system replacement on May 21, 2025. <br /> • The Board of Elections is now seeking final approval from the BOCC to proceed with <br /> acquisition pursuant to N.C. General Statute § 163-165.8. <br />