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JACKSON – Northampton County’s Elections Office will be able to replace some outdated software thanks to a state grant. The county commissioners approved receiving the funds during their meeting on Monday, May 19.

According to a letter sent by Northampton County’s Board of Elections, the state board received $42,100 last year to be used to improve election security by replacing outdated systems. Northampton County is one of 14 counties set to receive a portion of those state funds, at a total of $3,007.14.

That grant money will be used to replace software which is no longer supported, and also to replace the office’s laptop for another one compatible with the new software.

The Elections Board noted that the software is used to create elections for voting tabulators and to upload election night results to the State Board of Elections. The laptop is never connected to the internet or county server to avoid possible cyberattacks. Thusly, results remain true and accurate.

In April, the Northampton County Board of Elections looked at different software options, and chose Election Systems & Software (ES&S) Electionware because it was the most efficient and compatible with the county’s current voting machines. They then conducted a mock election to test the new system.

The letter concludes by requesting the commissioners accept the funds. Matching funds from the county are not required for the grant.

Commissioner Keith Edwards motioned to approve the request, and Melvetta Broadnax Taylor seconded. There was no further discussion, and the vote passed unanimously by those in attendance. Commissioner Keedra Whitaker was unable to attend Monday’s meeting.