Re: Statewide Voter Database Project
State Could Save $20-$30 Million

The federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 directs the state to create a centralized database of registered voters, among other election-related changes. The State Elections Board expects to spend about $50 million in the 2003-2008 time period to begin implementing this federal mandate.

Much of the funding is currently federal dollars, but the state is still on the hook for at least $2.5 to $3 million. Local governments will also incur additional costs. Further, after the 5-year start-up period is over, it's likely that state and local governments will be stuck with the costly upkeep and maintenance of a Cadillac/Lexus (pick your era) voter database.

The attached letter from our company is not a formal proposal in response to the cumbersome state RFP seeking to find a vendor willing to spend $40-$50 million. It is, however, a viable and cost-effective alternative that we hope you give some consideration.

The State Elections Board will soon need to appeal to the Joint Committee on Finance for another $1.4 million in state funds for this project. Legislators have a chance to set the agency straight and direct them to create a statewide database of registered voters that saves tens of millions of dollars. The "saved" federal money could then be used for future upkeep and maintenance of the database, and/or given to local governments to offset their new costs.