The Chicago Election Board has chosen software from San Diego-based Everyone Counts Inc. to allow members of the military and other overseas voters to cast ballots in the March 20 presidential primary election.
Everyone Counts made the announcement on Jan. 23. While financial terms were not disclosed, Everyone Counts said a Defense Department grant is funding the online ballot system.
Everyone Counts’ software lets people vote on any Internet device, including personal computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Company officials said Chicago elections officials could easily expand the service to all absentee voters. What’s more, they said, the system has the potential to save up to 50 percent of the costs of Chicago residents voting by mail, while increasing accessibility and security of the ballot.
Ballots will be distributed Feb. 3.
Federal law says local jurisdictions must provide a way for overseas military to participate in elections at home.
— Brad Graves