Case Study: Fairfax County Leads the Nation with ExpressVote 3
Case Study: Fairfax County Leads the Nation with ExpressVote 3
Introduction
Fairfax County, Virginia, became the first jurisdiction in the United States to implement the ExpressVote 3, a next-generation voting solution from ES&S. This milestone continues the county’s long-standing role as a national leader in election technology, as Fairfax was also the first jurisdiction to adopt the original ExpressVote in 2014.The partnership between ES&S and Printelect made this implementation possible, ensuring that Fairfax had the necessary technology, training, and support for a successful launch during its September 9 special election.
Background
Fairfax County is the largest locality in Virginia, serving more than twice the number of voters as the next largest jurisdiction. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., and a highly educated, technology-forward population make it one of the most visible and complex election environments in the country.When Fairfax sought to upgrade its voting equipment, it prioritized continuity, compliance with federal standards, and a vendor partnership capable of delivering at scale. Fairfax had been a long-term customer of ES&S and Printelect, and this project reaffirmed that relationship.
The Sales Process
According to Tyler Lincks, Account Manager at Printelect, Fairfax narrowed its evaluation to vendors who could provide equipment aligned with federal Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) 2.0 standards. ES&S and Printelect competed directly with other major vendors, but the strength of the ExpressVote 3 and the proven reliability of the DS300 and DS950 tabulators positioned ES&S as the clear choice.“Fairfax looked closely at competing products, but in the end, ES&S offered the only fully certified solutions ready to deploy immediately. Our position as the incumbent vendor, paired with the strength of ES&S technology and Printelect’s local support, was decisive.” – Tyler Lincks
Why It Was a Win for Printelect
Fairfax County’s decision represents both scale and influence. As Tyler noted, Fairfax serves as a “reference account” for other jurisdictions in Virginia and beyond. Its adoption of the ExpressVote 3 sets an example for neighboring counties, reinforcing ES&S and Printelect’s position as trusted providers of election technology and services.“This was a significant win not only because Fairfax is our largest customer in Virginia, but because of the standards they set. Their decision validates the quality of ES&S products and the level of service Printelect provides. Fairfax is a visible and influential jurisdiction, and its continued partnership with us demonstrates confidence in our team and our solutions.”
Implementation and Service
The timeline was tight. Certification of the ExpressVote 3 in Virginia was completed only weeks before Fairfax’s special election. Printelect and ES&S coordinated the delivery, installation, and testing of the equipment between the June primary and the September election.Printelect technicians worked alongside Fairfax County’s elections staff to prepare the equipment, perform logic and accuracy testing, and ensure all systems were ready for use. The transition was seamless due to the interoperability of ES&S products and the responsiveness of Printelect’s local team.“Our technicians ensured that Fairfax’s deployment of the ExpressVote 3 was completed smoothly and efficiently. The county was able to adopt next-generation equipment without disruption, supported by our on-site presence and resources.”
Results and Next Steps
The successful implementation in Fairfax positions ES&S and Printelect to support additional large jurisdictions in Virginia, including Virginia Beach and Arlington. Fairfax’s experience also highlights the advantages of interoperability, allowing localities to phase in new technology while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Key Takeaways
First in the Nation: Fairfax County was the first jurisdiction to implement the ExpressVote 3.
Trusted Partnership: ES&S technology, paired with Printelect’s local presence, ensured a smooth transition.
Influence and Visibility: Fairfax serves as a reference account for other jurisdictions in Virginia and nationally.
Next Steps: Expansion to Virginia Beach and additional counties further strengthens ES&S and Printelect’s footprint.
