By Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
North Carolina took a major step toward updating its election technology Tuesday with the inaugural meeting of the Modernization of Election Data Systems (MEDS) Commission.
Chaired by State Auditor Dave Boliek, the 22-member bipartisan group is tasked with providing guidance and practical advice on modernizing the state’s election management system and campaign finance reporting software.
“The current system hasn’t been updated since 1998—before the iPhone, social media, AI, and high-speed computers,” Boliek said. “We know that now is the time to do this. An elected politician deciding to take on a technological change is a real risk. I take the job seriously: I want to actually do something to help the people of NC in a way that’s transparent and effective.”
The commission includes elections officials from across the state, political science experts, researchers, and representatives from advocacy organizations. Members include Derek Bowens, Durham County elections director; Michael Dickerson, North Carolina’s longest-serving elections director; and political science professors Chris Cooper of Western Carolina University and Andy Jackson of Appalachian State University.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the commission reviewed a three-phase plan to modernize the Statewide Elections Information Management System (SEIMS), the backbone of the state’s elections operations. SEIMS coordinates voter registration, election results reporting, and daily operations for the State Board of Elections and 100 county boards. The commission will also assist with updates to North Carolina’s campaign finance reporting system, which has been in place since the early 2000s.
“The goal is to develop a secure, user-friendly system that meets the needs of voters, administrators, and candidates alike,” Boliek said. “These updates should come with ideas and feedback from people who will be using these systems.”
Commission members discussed plans to evaluate vendor proposals, offer feedback on system functionality, recommend final plans, and monitor implementation. The hope is that the modernized system will become a model for other states while reinforcing voter confidence in North Carolina elections.
Jackson highlighted the importance of reliable election data, saying, “Providing accurate, timely information helps bolster public confidence in our elections. Some improvements we are considering include requiring election committees to submit digital reports and tracking them by election rather than by year or committee.”
The commission’s work will unfold over the next two years, with modernization implemented in phases. Meetings are open to the public.
