Raleigh, N.C.
In a decisive move to advance North Carolina’s election infrastructure, the Modernization of Election Data Systems (MEDS) Advisory Commission has called for the state’s legislative body to allocate essential and ongoing funds for a comprehensive overhaul of the Statewide Elections Information Management System (SEIMS).
Overseen by State Auditor Dave Boliek, the MEDS Commission was formed to spearhead the modernization of North Carolina’s election data systems. This includes the complete replacement of SEIMS, which has been operational since its inception in 1998, under the stewardship of the North Carolina State Board of Elections. The proposed updates aim to bolster security, enhance list maintenance precision, accelerate county change requests and legal amendments, improve user interaction, and support specialized reporting for internal evaluations.
With a budget request of up to $60 million for this extensive project, the timeline anticipates several years for execution and testing. During a meeting on May 20, the MEDS Commission, comprising members from both political parties, unanimously passed a resolution urging “the General Assembly and State leadership provide necessary and sustained funding for the SEIMS replacement.”
“This Commission has moved North Carolina from concept to execution by creating a disciplined, transparent modernization process grounded in public input and operational expertise,” asserted State Auditor Dave Boliek. “The Office of the State Auditor is prepared to help manage procurement and implementation in close partnership with the State Board of Elections as we move from planning to implementation.”
“We appreciate the Commission’s engagement and the confidence reflected in its work,” commented Sam Hayes, Executive Director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections. “This support helps position the State Board and our partners to move from planning to implementation in a way that improves election administration and service to voters statewide.”
“The resolution adopted today reflects the Commission’s confidence that the State Board of Elections and the Office of the State Auditor are positioned to advance a comprehensive modernization and eventual replacement of SEIMS,” stated Brooks Fuller of Common Cause NC, a member of the commission and sponsor of the resolution. “We are asking the General Assembly to provide sustained funding so this work can move from planning to implementation. We, as members of the MEDS Commission, will continue to offer public review and transparency through this important process.”
“Modernization is about strengthening public trust through security, accuracy, and transparency,” emphasized Dr. Chris Cooper of Western Carolina University, also a commission member and resolution sponsor. “The Commission’s work has set a clear path forward—now we need the resources to execute it responsibly.”
The resolution underscores robust support for the ongoing modernization and planned full replacement of SEIMS. The full text of the resolution can be read here.
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