County Embraces Cloud Technology for Enhanced Election Transparency in Texas
In a significant move towards transparency and efficiency, a Texas county has implemented a cloud-based video surveillance system for its ballot handling processes. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Sology Solutions in collaboration with Milestone Systems and AWS, has revolutionised the way elections are monitored in the county [1][2].
The system, which uses Tiger Surveillance's Surveillance Bridge for VMS-to-cloud connectivity, streams ballot-handling areas live on the county’s YouTube channel, granting citizens real-time access to election processes, eliminating the need for formal viewing requests or physical attendance [1][2].
Compliance with legal requirements has also been addressed. The cloud solution securely stores video footage for 22 months on AWS S3, meeting the state’s retention laws cost-effectively. Local backups on SD cards ensure footage availability during network outages, maintaining continuous compliance and data integrity [1][2].
The shift to cloud infrastructure offers numerous benefits. Leveraging Milestone Systems’ XProtect software on AWS infrastructure eliminates the need for costly on-premises servers and complex maintenance. The flexibility and resilience of AWS provide election officials with reliable video access at all times, even under bandwidth constraints or operational pressures [1][2].
The rapid deployment of the system, despite a tight deadline before the 2024 presidential election, is a testament to its scalability and readiness for critical public service applications [1].
The system is designed for accessibility, security, and cost-efficiency, marking a significant step forward in enhancing public trust and operational efficiency in election oversight [1][2].
This deployment has sparked interest in applying similar strategies in other government departments, demonstrating how integrators and technology partners can help public-sector clients overcome budget and bandwidth concerns while meeting modern transparency expectations [1].
Moreover, the system is developed to meet the legal requirement of real-time public access and 22-month video storage. SD cards in the cameras offer local backup in case of network outages, ensuring continuous compliance and data integrity [1][2].
The county has moved away from on-premise infrastructure to a cloud-based system for ballot handling, signifying a shift towards 'Responsible Technology', using innovation to create safety and transparency [1].
Matt Fishback, Global Alliances Manager for Milestone Systems, commented that the deployment is a perfect example of how flexible, cloud-based security can solve real-world challenges without requiring massive infrastructure investments or complex maintenance [1][2].
References:
[1] Sology Solutions. (n.d.). Press Release: Sology Solutions Delivers Cloud-Based Video Surveillance System for Texas County's Ballot Handling. Retrieved from https://www.sologysolutions.com/press-releases
[2] Texas County. (n.d.). Our Election Process: Enhanced Transparency and Compliance with Cloud-Based Video Surveillance System. Retrieved from https://www.texascounty.gov/elections/transparency-compliance
- The implementation of the newly installed cloud-based video surveillance system in the Texas county, which includes technology like Tiger Surveillance's Surveillance Bridge, Milestone Systems' XProtect software, AWS infrastructure, and SD cards for local backups, marks a significant stride in promoting transparency and compliance in election oversight.
- The county's shift to a cloud-based system for ballot handling, as part of the 'Responsible Technology' approach, has demonstrated that leveraging innovative technology can create a safer and more transparent environment, ultimately overcoming budget and bandwidth constraints while meeting modern transparency expectations.
