Board reopens consideration of Sentinel Smart ballot drop boxes; staff discuss pilot, indoor WiFi option and contract timing

The Erie County Board of Elections removed from the table a resolution authorizing purchase of Sentinel Smart ballot drop boxes and discussed pilot results, connectivity options and contract details.

Elections staff reported a pilot in Luzerne County using the Sentinel indoor ballot boxes without WiFi for data collection and said the devices performed well. Staff said the vendor is now shipping indoor units that can include WiFi functionality so the county can monitor fill levels; an outdoor box option is not expected to be available until the 2026 general election.

Board members raised the same contract concerns voiced by public commenters: the contract's technical-support window currently states vendor support begins 15 days before election day and ends seven days after, and members suggested that language be clarified to align with when mail ballots are issued and accepted. "Does an approval to proceed with the purchase not provide us with the ability to negotiate the contract?" one board member asked; staff responded that contract language could be clarified through counsel and negotiation.

Staff said if indoor units could be delivered before the fall election, the county could accept them for the fall; otherwise, staff said the purchase is principally aimed at the next primary. Staff noted an original target to have boxes installed by Sept. 1. The board did not finalize a contract at the meeting and directed staff and counsel to pursue clarifications and negotiate terms, including support timing and service provisions.