ES&S Unity EMS Software Patch: ES&S recently created a patch to their Unity EMS Software which makes it possible for county clerks to electronically forward precinct based election returns to the Bureau of Elections.  The electronic transfer of the precinct level returns will take place immediately following the canvass and certification of the results from the November 7 general election results. 

The Election Reporting Module (ERM) patch was mailed to all Unity users during the month of October.  If you are a Unity customer, please be advised of the following:

·         County clerks who have not installed the patch are advised to wait until after the November 7 General election before carrying out the installation.

·         Local clerks who have not installed the patch are advised to wait until further instruction is received from this office before carrying out the installation.

·         County and local clerks that have already installed the patch are advised that the ERM patch should have no effect on your normal election night vote accumulation or reporting processes or capabilities.  No additional steps are needed at this time.

Bureau staff members are currently working with ES&S technicians in making final preparations for the electronic transmission of the precinct level returns.  Detailed instructions on how the new process will work will be forwarded to all counties in the coming weeks.   

Please note that the electronic transmission of the precinct level returns does not eliminate the need for county clerks to prepare and forward the usual paper copy of this data with the Official County Canvassers' Statement.  The paper copy of the precinct-based returns will be used to verify the accuracy of the electronic returns submitted via the updated Unity EMS Software.