Pawtucket company tapped to modernize state’s voter-registration system

PROVIDENCE – Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea has announced the next step toward a new central voter registration system in Rhode Island.

A Pawtucket company, Stonewall Solutions, has been chosen for the contract to build the new system. The company creates and refines information networks in government, law enforcement and higher education markets, according to a news release.

The current system was developed in 2005.

“A modernized CVRS will help Rhode Island remain a national model in election security,” Gorbea said. “It will also enable us to streamline processes for state and local election officials while preserving the integrity of our systems.”

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“Stonewall is dedicated to ensuring the new CVRS provides a solid platform for the Department of State’s Elections Division, the Board of Elections, and local cities and towns to manage registered voters and candidates within the state,” said John Condon, Stonewall Solutions president and CEO, in a statement.

Funding for the new system’s development is from the state’s share of $3 million in congressional funds from the Help America Vote Act; Gorbea serves as its chief elections official for Rhode Island. She also convened a task force to prioritize the funds.

Gorbea said the state will assume ownership when the system is complete.

“That means we will have full control to customize and evolve the new CVRS to reflect current industry best practices as technology continues to change,” she said.

Susan Shalhoub is a PBN contributing writer.