Hart InterCivic Files for Colorado Request for Reconsideration of Decertification

MEDIA ADVISORY - Latest version of voting system is also in the certification application process

published 01/16/2008

AUSTIN, Texas – One of Colorado's leading voting system providers, Hart InterCivic, announced today that the company has completed a review of the State of Colorado's voting system testing documentation and is filing a request for reconsideration of the decertification of parts of the Hart Voting System in Colorado as well as applying for certification of Hart's latest federally certified release, which adds two-sheet ballot processing functionality to their in-precinct scanners - functionality will be necessary in Colorado's November General Election.

"Hart InterCivic has a vested interest in continuing to serve our Colorado customers and their constituents, and we have a long-term view of our commitment to insuring our customers' success," Hart’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Elections Solutions, Phillip Braithwaite, stated today. "We want to make it clear that Hart InterCivic’s paper scanning solutions count votes accurately and reliably. The Hart Voting System has proven itself in thousands of independent tests, federal and state certifications, logic and accuracy tests, live elections, and post-election audits across The United States of America, and that includes the State of Colorado."

Hart also asserted that their review of test documentation revealed that Colorado recertification tests had gone far beyond testing for compliance with election code, including scanning ballots that had been smothered with oil, mayonnaise, taco sauce, alcohol, women's makeup and hand lotion. Admittedly, these may be realistic tests for the variety of ballots that individuals mail in, but those realistic tests should be matched with real-world jurisdiction procedures that catch those types of ballots before they are scanned and include cleaning of equipment if substances mark scanner surfaces.

Braithwaite suggested that most, if not all, remaining certification issues in Colorado could be resolved through proper use procedures, voter education, and review of incoming paper by-mail ballots before they are scanned. He emphasized that Hart InterCivic has been working cooperatively with the Colorado Secretary of State's office and will continue working with its customers and the Secretary of State's office through the request for reconsideration and informal processes that are in place.

About Hart InterCivic
Hart InterCivic is one of the nation's largest providers of voting systems with customers in 13 states and hundreds of local jurisdictions, including two of the nation's largest counties. Hart has 47 customers in the State of Colorado.

Hart InterCivic is a leading national technology and services provider for state and local government election and GIS-integrated database solutions. Hart product offerings include eSlate® electronic voting equipment and the Hart Vantage™ geo-content product suite. Nearly a century ago, Hart InterCivic started as a company focused on printing forms for local governments in Texas. The company has evolved into a national leader in software and service solutions for the public sector. Hart's business values are centered on heritage, integrity, reliability and personalized customer service. A recipient of the Samaritan Center Ethics in Business Award, Hart InterCivic is a privately held corporation based in Austin, Texas. For more information please visit www.hartintercivic.com.
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Contact Information

Peter Lichtenheld
512.252.6578
plichtenheld@hartic.com