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Supervisors approve four-year Sequoia voting-system contract after broad debate over openness and accessibility
Summary
After extended debate about open-source software, vendor transparency and accessibility for voters with disabilities, the Board approved a four-year contract with Sequoia Voting Systems for approximately $12.6 million (plus related services). Vote: 9 ayes, 2 noes.
The board voted to approve a four-year contract (with options) with Sequoia Voting Systems to provide a new voting system and related services to the city’s Department of Elections. The measure followed an extensive floor discussion about auditability, open-source access to source code and accessibility for voters with disabilities.
Opponents said the contract does not guarantee open-source transparency and that only full public-access to source code would assure that every vote is counted. “There is not a single individual who can guarantee that with Sequoia's voting machines,” Supervisor Daly said, urging a vote against the contract to preserve election certainty by other means.
Supporters countered that the city faces imminent elections and must ensure reliable tabulation, while continuing to press vendors and the state for stronger open-source and accessibility commitments. “We have 3 elections scheduled in 02/2008, and the first 1 in February is less than 60 days away. We have to approve this contract,” Supervisor Sandoval said. Multiple supervisors said they would pursue a task force and other steps to move the city toward open-source ballots and voting tools in the mid- to long-term.
Several supervisors emphasized accessibility gains under the proposed system for voters with disabilities. Supervisor Elliott argued the equipment offers improved access for blind voters and those who need assistive technology, calling the proposed system “a far cry from ES and S.”
Roll-call vote: Dufte (aye), Ellsburn (aye), Maxwell (aye), McGoldrick (aye), Mercarimi (aye), Peskin (aye), Sandoval (aye), Aleotopier (aye), Amiano (no), Chiu (aye), Daly (no). The resolution passed with nine ayes and two noes. Supervisors also announced near-term follow-ups: several members said they will introduce a task force on open-source voting, seek legislation to require open-source ballot posting, and request the city attorney analyze options for long-term procurement and regional cooperation to improve transparency.
The vote grants the Department of Elections authority to proceed with the procurement while the board and members of the community continue to press for stronger transparency and long-term open-source strategies.
