Election integrity is key to Georgia’s future. In 2022, Georgia’s Prime Minister cited the improvement of election administration as one of 12 essential steps needed to gain European Union membership. Joining the EU, and eventually the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO), have raised the stakes for modernizing elections in the country.

Since 2021, the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia has worked with Smartmatic to improve election integrity. Georgia’s authorities have adopted a progressive approach to election modernization, gradually expanding the use of Smartmatic technology with each election cycle. Georgian authorities have deployed Smartmatic optical scanners and voter authentication devices in five elections in several cities. A full nation-wide rollout of Smartmatic technology is scheduled for the 2024 national elections.

Technology

VIU Desktop

The VIU Desktop (VIU-800) is designed to assist election commissions in streamlining the voter management process and to support poll workers in their duties. The device operates using Smartmatic’s VIUClient and IDMS software, equipping it to function as an e-Poll book that can aid poll workers in a myriad of crucial tasks, from capturing voters’ information to digitizing official documents, to capturing and transmitting election results. In Georgia, the VIU Desktop has helped authorities validate the identity of voters.

SAES-1800 plus precinct scanners

Georgia has implemented Smartmatic’s SAES-1800 Plus to modernize key parts of its election process. These optical scanners accurately register voters’ choices, mark on paper ballots, and streamline the tallying process once the polls close.

The SAES-1800 Plus facilitates the transition from manual to automated elections while maintaining a familiar voting experience. Smartmatic has deployed more than 500 optical scanners in a variety of elections, including local, municipal, and parliamentary elections.

VIU-Tablet

During the two Georgian elections held in 2023, poll workers used Smartmatic’s VIU-Tablets to transmit polling station results to consolidation centers. The direct transmission increased the speed of results publication and enhanced trust in the outcome of the overall process.

Services

In addition to technology, Smartmatic provided a complete suite of services to help
authorities successfully conduct the election.
• Data Center monitoring and setup
• Readiness management
• Train of trainers
• Warranty services for HW and SW