The Election Technology Council is a 501(c)6 trade association consisting of voting technology providers in the United States. The current membership of the Council represents the voting system platforms for 90% of the registered voters in the U.S.
The primary mission of the ETC is to serve as a resource for the public, election officials, and legislators to dispel mythologies regarding voting technology and to help maintain a healthy marketplace for the industry.
*Press Release*
Election Technology Council Issues Report Examining Open Source Voting
Report points to the current regulatory process for voting technology as an obstacle for viability of open source products
April 14, 2009 - The Election Technology Council (ETC), an industry trade association representing providers for over 90% of the voting systems used in the United States, today issued a report examining the viability of open source software products for voting. The report, entitled, “Open Source: Understanding its Application in the Voting Industry” reveals the need for policymakers to continue treating proprietary and open source products as separate and distinct. David Beirne, the ETC Executive Director, had this to say regarding the report’s findings, “Given the unique management structures and contrasting challenges between a commercial and an open source software product, the most prudent course of action for state and federal policymakers is to recognize each option for its uniqueness and avoid mandating policies that could be perceived as instituting unfair trade practices.”
To read the full press release, click here.
To download the full report on Open Source click here.
Election Technology Council Executive Director Addresses NACRC Legislative Conference Attendees
March 8, 2009 – In response to the question, "Is It Time To Go Shopping?", the ETC Executive Director addressed the attendees at the 2009 NACRC Legislative Conference. The overall theme addressed by the ETC was the need for a longer view on the voting industry and the need to understand that the current products submitted for EAC certification will be the products in place for a number of years. For those election officials looking to purchase new systems, they should realize that the industry remains in a linear progression and holding out for the "latest and greatest" technologies in today's market will only lead to more frustrations. To read the full text of the Executive Director's remarks, click here.
Election Technology Council Outlines Six Reform Proposals for the EAC Voting System Certification Program
January 6, 2009 –Last week the Election Technology Council participated in a panel discussion at the Joint Election Officials Liaison Committee (JEOLC) meeting in Washington, DC. The panel discussion highlighted the current challenges associated with the certification program administered by the United States Election Assistance Commission. Six proposals for reform of the program were highlighted by the ETC Executive Director...click here for the Executive Director's remarks.
Election Technology Council Announces New Leadership for 2009
January 6, 2009 –The Election Technology Council (ETC), a national trade association representing providers of voting system technology hardware products, software and services to support the electoral process, recently appointed its new Chair and Executive Officers.
The new Chair of the ETC is Ian Piper, Compliance Officer for Premier Election Solutions, and Vice-Chair is John Groh, Senior Vice President of Election Systems and Software. Marcus MacNeill, Vice President of Marketing for Hart InterCivic will continue to serve as Treasurer for the Council. The outgoing Chair is Michelle Shafer, Vice President of Communications and External Affairs for Sequoia Voting Systems.
Ian Piper, the incoming ETC Chair summarized the upcoming year for the Council this way, “Now that the 2008 General Election is behind us and was deemed to be a success in its implementation, we as an industry must continue to address our common concerns as we confront very real challenges associated with operating in this marketplace.” Mr. Piper added, “There is a tremendous value and role for industry to play as a partner in the election process and so our work continues to educate others on how best to balance the interests of the public, remain responsive as an industry to the needs of our customers, and maintain a healthy marketplace.”
The ETC Board of Directors also applauded the leadership of Michelle Shafer as the outgoing Chairperson for the energy and effort she put forth to lead the Council during its transition to a formal trade association.
Election Technology Council Submits Its Assessment of the 2008 Election to the United States Election Assistance Commission
December 11, 2008 – The United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) provided an opportunity for public testimony on the overall performance surrounding the 2008 General Election. To view a copy of the formal letter to the EAC, click here.
Press Release-VOTEC Corporation Joins the ETC
Associate member status signals expansion of industry trade association’s core efforts.
November 14, 2008-The VOTEC Corporation, a San Diego based provider of election management solutions and electronic pollbooks, has joined the Election Technology Council (ETC) as an Associate member. “VOTEC’s membership signals the growth of the ETC as a collective voice for the entire election industry. The ETC is committed to serving as a voice for all industry providers to make sure that a marketplace continues to function properly and rewards ingenuity,” said David Beirne, Executive Director of the Election Technology Council.
“VOTEC is pleased to participate fully as an Associate member in the Election Technology Council to relay our customers’ concerns to interested parties and to promote attention to the long term viability of election product providers as valuable members of the community,” said John Medcalf, VOTEC CEO.
The ETC established an Associate member classification for those industry providers who are not currently subject to federal certification, but share a common interest in lowering economic barriers for current and new industry participants. The Associate member classification is in direct response to early signals that electronic pollbooks and other products are increasingly being examined for entry into the federal and state regulatory environment.
“We are very pleased to welcome VOTEC to our industry trade association and look forward to their many contributions to our ongoing efforts in the election community,” added Michelle Shafer, the ETC’s Chairwoman. “We view the expansion of our organization as a testament to the many strides our association has made since its inception in 2003, and especially during the last 18 months of increased attention to voting technology.”
Press Release-Election Technology Council Issues Tips for the Nation's Voters
October 29, 2008 – With less than a week to go before Election Day, the leading voting system providers urge the nation's voters to take a few key steps to prepare for casting their ballots. The Election Technology Council, through its members, is committed to serving as a responsible partner in the conduct of federal, state, and local elections. View the full press release here.
National Archives Hosts Panel Discussion on "Technology, Elections and Electronic Voting"
October 17, 2008 – The National Archives as part of the William McGowan Forum Series hosted a panel discussion on technology, elections, and electronic voting. Featured panelists included David Beirne, Executive Director of the Election Technology Council, Commissioner Donetta Davidson of the United States Election Assistance Commission, Matthew Masterson of the United States Election Assistance Commission, Roy Saltman, consultant and author, Patrick Merloe of the National Democratic Instituted for International Affairs and Paul Degregorio of Everyone Counts, Inc. and formerly of the United States Election Assistance Commission. C-SPAN broadcast the event live on October 17th and the entire session may be viewed online here.
Austin-American Statesman: "Election Panel: Odds of e-voting fraud low"
September 30, 2008 – The Austin-American Statesman reports on a recent panel discussion hosted by the LBJ School of Political Affairs and Governance on the topic of voting integrity. Click here for the full article.
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