Pennsylvania is investing over $10 million to revamp its voter registration infrastructure, transitioning to an enhanced election management system designed to improve election night reporting, handle campaign finance documentation, and manage lobbyist registrations. The new system, courtesy of Civix, is scheduled to be fully operational by the presidential election in 2028, succeeding the currently used Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) system.
The decision to upgrade comes as Pennsylvania’s election processes are often scrutinized, with the state serving as a key battleground in both state and national elections. According to state representatives, the Civix system will deliver a user-friendly interface for the public, offering crucial information regarding voter registration, upcoming elections, and relevant voting data.
Implemented in 2003, the SURE system is perceived as antiquated by many, albeit still reliable. As expressed by Secretary of State Al Schmidt, comparing it to a 20-year-old phone effectively highlights its limitations despite its continued safety and security. He noted the ongoing need for system upgrades to maintain its functionality.
Uncertainty remains surrounding the potential hardware modifications accompanying the Civix implementation. As the project progresses, it will become clearer how much new hardware will be required, according to Schmidt.
Forrest Lehman, the elections director for Lycoming County for nearly a decade, echoed the sentiment prevalent among county election officials about the necessity for SURE’s replacement. “We all want this to succeed,” Lehman remarked, emphasizing the desire for a modernized voter registration system that propels the state and its counties into the 21st century.
