Lawmakers want voting system vendors to disclose shareholders

Vendors who work on electronic voting systems in New Jersey would need to disclose their ownership under a bill introduced by Assembly Majority Conference Leader Annette Quijano (D-Elizabeth) and Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D-East Brunswick).

The proposal would mandate that any owners or shareholders with at least 5% stake in the company be disclosed before the contract is approved. Changes in ownership would also need to be reported.

“The security of our elections in New Jersey is a top priority,” the two legislators said.  “While electronic voting system vendors that seek certification from the State are already subject to a number of requirements, we must go one step further by requiring vendors to disclose financial ties.”

According to Quijano and Pinkin, Maryland and North Carolina have similar law to secure the election process.

Pinkin is the Democratic candidate for Middlesex County Clerk.  If she wins the general election – Democrats haven’t lost a county clerk race in Middlesex since 1990 – she would have an increased role over implementing electronic voting systems.