CASE STUDY
city of Philadelphia County Board of Elections
How PMC’s PollConnect Kept Nearly 700 Polling Sites Secure
“Trying to manage 700 disconnected polling locations just isn’t reasonable. We needed to see every site, know what was online, and fix problems instantly.”
Jeffrey Venziale, IT Director for the City Commissioner’s Office
“PMC made a box that was secure, rugged, and smart,” said Venziale. “Every PollConnect unit had a backup battery so if power was lost, our poll books stayed in sync and the election didn’t stop. That was a game changer.”
“The relationship became a true partnership,” said Venziale. “PMC gave us exactly what we needed, and because of that, we’ve continued to grow with them.”
Common Questions About Election Network Security
PollConnect Frequently Asked Questions
What is PollConnect and how does it support election operations?
PollConnect is PMC Wireless’s secure, rugged network solution designed to keep electronic poll books (e‑poll books) connected across all polling sites on Election Day. It delivers reliable connectivity, security, and real‑time monitoring so IT teams can ensure voting systems stay online and functional throughout the election.
How does PollConnect ensure secure e‑poll book connectivity?
PollConnect uses purpose‑built networking hardware with advanced security measures to protect sensitive election data and prevent tampering. This includes rugged enclosures, secure device authentication, and controlled access configured specifically for critical election network environments.
Why was PollConnect needed for the City of Philadelphia elections?
When Philadelphia moved from paper poll books to electronic voting systems, its County Board of Elections faced challenges keeping nearly 700 polling sites connected securely and reliably. Off‑the‑shelf networking gear did not provide the scale, security, visibility, or uptime required for a seamless Election Day experience. PollConnect solved these issues by delivering a purpose‑built, election‑ready network solution.
What makes PollConnect reliable for Election Day use?
PollConnect units are custom‑built and field‑tested, with rugged design and internal battery backup. This ensures continuous operation even during power interruptions, so e‑poll books stay synced and polling operations continue without downtime — a key requirement for mission‑critical election networks.
Can PollConnect be monitored from a central location?
Yes. Each PollConnect device connects back to a central dashboard, allowing the election IT team to monitor connectivity status in real time from a single control center. This makes it easier to troubleshoot issues instantly and maintain visibility across all polling sites.
How does PollConnect improve the management of e‑poll books?
PollConnect keeps electronic poll books connected and synchronized across locations, enabling secure access to up‑to‑date voter information, faster voter check‑ins, and streamlined upload of updated voter rolls. This helps reduce waiting times at polls and improves election efficiency.
Does PollConnect work with remote management tools?
Yes. PollConnect leverages enterprise‑grade connectivity platforms (like NetCloud Manager) that allow remote monitoring, secure firmware updates, and management of connected devices. This helps ensure all connected e‑poll books remain up to date and secure.
How does PollConnect support secure voter data access?
PollConnect helps establish secure connections for e‑poll books to access voter information. With built‑in security and controlled connectivity, it supports easy access to up‑to‑date voter rolls while protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Solutions for election officials
Learn more about our polling security solutions and speak to a PMC Wireless representative about your voting district needs.