1. Purpose. This memorandum provides updated information about three initiatives from the 2020 Vision Election Security plan.
2. Endpoint Testing. All WisVote users must have endpoint testing software installed before January 28, 2020. The WEC will use endpoint testing software to validate device security. This means that every computer connecting to the WisVote system will be checked to verify its security before access is permitted. For more information about endpoint testing, please refer to the clerk communication published on October 30, 2019.
Action Required. If you have already installed Endpoint Testing software you will receive a test communication on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. This very short test communication will ask you to confirm your municipality and county in order to validate the accuracy of our user database. The message will appear as a pop-up window and state:
The Wisconsin Elections Commission asks that you type the name of your municipality (including City, Village, or Town) and county in this field (no special characters) Example: City of Madison, Dane County. If you have questions about the validity of this process, please contact the Elections Help Desk at 608-261-2028.
4. WisVote News. The WisVote News tile is now available in the WisVote system from the home screen. As mentioned in the 2020 Vision December 20, 2019 communication, information related to WisVote, including the WisVote manual and WisVote related webinars, will now be posted exclusively in WisVote or in the Learning Center and will no longer be posted to the agency website. WisVote users will receive a notification email when new information is posted to the WisVote News tile. In place of an introductory webinar, WEC staff will post a Welcome to WisVote News communication on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, which will generate an email to all WisVote users. The email will direct users to log into WisVote to view the communication that will provide additional guidance also available in the Learning Center.
5. RAVE Crisis Communication. RAVE crisis communication is a tool intended to be used only in emergencies, where the WEC has information that needs to be shared immediately. It can contact thousands of users via phone, email, or text with just a few clicks. The chief election official in each jurisdiction was automatically enrolled in the system on January 9, 2020 as noticed in the December 20, 2020 Vision communication. If you did not receive an enrollment email and are the Chief election official, please check your spam or junk mail or contact the WEC HelpDesk for additional assistance.
Contact information currently on file for your municipality was used for the original enrollment, so personal contact information and contact information for additional office staff should be added to the jurisdiction’s RAVE account if they wish to receive crisis communications from the WEC. The WEC will send a test alert via all methods of contact on January 23. The message will ask for confirmation of receipt for those receiving it via landline or mobile phone. Please see previous 2020 Vision Communications for additional information on RAVE.
6. Summary of Action Items
- WisVote News test communication on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Log in to WisVote and check the WisVote News tile.
- Endpoint Testing pop-up communication on Tuesday January 21, 2020.
- Statewide RAVE alert test on Thursday January 23, 2020. Review and update your contact information in the RAVE system before January 23, 2020. Login information is provided in the enrollment email.
- Install endpoint testing software no later than Tuesday January 28, 2020. Instructions and the software download link are located on the Learning Center under the “Security Awareness” tile.
7. Questions. If you have any questions, please contact the WEC Help Desk. Call 608-261-2028 or email [email protected].