Communication Update # 5 Issued Date: 2/3/2023
Following the Western Australian Electoral Commission’s (‘Commission’) extensive and ongoing review process of its Technology Assisted Voting Request for Information (RFI), the Commission is now able to provide further update.
This RFI process has provided the Commission with an important market sounding activity enabling the consideration and review of a range of Technology Assisted Voting solutions available within the global market. This has featured both Remote Electronic Voting (REV) and Direct Recording and Electronic (DRE) solutions available within the global Technology Assisted Voting marketplace.
The Commission has determined that its immediate priority is to ensure readiness for a Technology Assisted Voting solution being in place for the 2025 State General Election for eligible Western Australian electors. Having considered a range of both REV and DRE solutions and the finite timeframe available to specify, procure, design, develop, test and deploy any Technology Assisted Voting solution for the 2025 State General election, the Commission now intends to develop a procurement strategy as follows:
1. Source a Direct Recording and Electronic (DRE) replacement offering for the Commission’s proprietary developed Vote Assist product
2. Source an enhanced Remote Electronic Voting (REV) Telephone Assisted Voting offering featuring an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephony vote casting capability
This dual offering of two forms of Technology Assisted Voting will ensure the Western Australian Electoral Commission is able to continue to offer a secret and unassisted vote for eligible Western Australian electors at state general elections.
The Commission is now working towards the release of a Procurement Plan in accordance with the Western Australian Government’s Strategic Sourcing and Procurement guidelines. An outcome of this Procurement Plan is expected to be the subsequent release of Request for Tender/s for the abovementioned services sought.
Beyond this immediate priority, the Commission remains committed to pursuing a full functioning Remote Electronic Voting (REV) online solution for its range of elections undertaken.
The Commission intends to further communicate to all RFI Respondents as part of its procurement activities in 2023.
Lincoln Campbell, Technology Assisted Voting Project Consultant
Western Australian Electoral Commission
www.elections.wa.gov.au
E: lincoln.campbell@waec.wa.gov.au
2 March 2023