The Essex County Board of Commissioners convened on April 17, 2024, to discuss various topics, primarily focusing on the county's voting technology and contract extensions related to election services.

The meeting began with a presentation from a representative of a local printing company that handles the county's election-related tasks, including superintendent certifications and the tallying of votes on election night. The representative detailed the company's role in setting up remote tally computers and fulfilling state reporting requirements.

Commissioner MacKinnon inquired about the specifics of the current contract, confirming that it is a two-year extension. He noted that expenditures from the previous contract were approximately $195,000, which aligns closely with the current contract's maximum allowance of $220,000.

Commissioner Gill raised questions regarding the technology used for real-time vote tallies, specifically the Dominion Voting System and its interaction with the Bridal online reporting system. He emphasized the importance of security in the election process, particularly given the county's transition to paper ballots to enhance election integrity. Gill expressed concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the data transfer process, ensuring that the systems remain separate and secure from internet interference.

Essex County Clerk Chris Durkin supported Gill's statements, highlighting the county's commitment to a secure voting system that utilizes hand-marked paper ballots. He noted that this method allows for clear voter intent in the event of a recount, distinguishing Essex County's practices from those of other counties that may rely on electronic voting systems.

Further discussions clarified that while the Dominion system generates the initial vote data, the Bridal program, which operates independently, is responsible for processing and posting the results online. This separation is intended to safeguard the integrity of the election data.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the long-standing relationship between the county and the printing company, with commissioners expressing appreciation for their service and commitment to election security. The board's focus on maintaining robust and secure voting processes reflects ongoing efforts to enhance public confidence in the electoral system.