Delaware County’s vDrive Display Case: Enhancing Election Transparency
Transparency in our elections has never been more vital. In Delaware County, this commitment to openness extends to the chain of custody for our digital memory sticks, also known as vDrives. These encrypted USB devices of the Hart Verity election management system are used to securely transfer cast-vote records and audit logs from the precinct scanners to our central count location.
Our Process
The vDrives are sealed in tamper-evident envelopes in the precincts. Poll workers sign over the envelope seal. The vDrive envelopes are then brought to the Central Count office where they are opened in front of any authorized representatives (campaign observers) in a process that also can be monitored via cameras that live stream the process on the web. There, the vDrives also are uploaded into the Central County servers in the same room. Afterward, the vDrives were placed in a limited-access IT office. However, in response to concerns raised by the observers, Delaware County implemented a security solution that afforded even more visibility.
The Solution: 24/7 Monitored Public Display
To ensure the chain of custody remains fully visible and secure, Delaware County installed a dedicated vDrive glass display case. This solution features:
- Publicly Viewable: Located next to the area for campaign observers for easy inspection.
- Securely Protected: The case is fully lockable, ensuring these critical devices are protected from unauthorized access while remaining in plain sight.
- Monitored 24/7: Positioned under a dedicated security camera with a live stream available to the public that continues to operate through the certification of the election and any recounts, if needed. The cameras continue to record year-round even after the election is certified and the live stream concludes.
- Continuous Coverage: Live streaming begins the day the first mail-in ballots arrive and continues without interruption until the election is officially certified.
Transparency in View:
Delaware County’s secure, lockable glass display case provides a visible chain of custody for all vDrives. Located adjacent to the area for campaign observers, this case remains under 24/7 live-streamed video surveillance throughout the entire election and certification process.