MOUNT HOLLY, NJ – Burlington County is taking steps to improve Internet connectivity at voting locations as part of a new initiative that will also expand the availability of free public Wi-Fi.

The Burlington County Commissioners unveiled the plan last week with State Senator Singleton and Assemblyman Balvir Singh, who both helped secure $200,000 in the FY 2025-26 State Budget and Appropriations Act for the project.

Under the County’s plans, the Burlington County Department of Information Technology will install secure, high-speed Internet equipment at polling locations throughout Burlington County. The equipment will strengthen and expand the coverage range of the Wi-Fi signal at each location to ensure that there is a strong, reliable connection on election days.

The connectivity at polling locations is important because the electronic poll books used to check in voters, verify their registrations, and confirm that they have not already voted yet, rely on secure internet to access elections databases. The voting machines themselves are not networked.

On non-election days, the enhancements will also allow the County to make free public Wi-Fi service available at those locations.

“In this day and age, reliable internet connectivity is a necessity, not just for work, school and entertainment, but for countless other tasks, including fair elections,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “This project will improve election security and reliability. It will also expand free Wi-Fi to additional locations to improve access and close the digital divide.”

Senator Singleton, who sponsored the budget resolution appropriating state funding for the County project, said the upgrades would enhance the election process while simultaneously expanding public internet access.

“Elections are the bedrock our democracy and that demands all levels of government to work together to ensure the process is secure and efficient,” said Senator Singleton. “Burlington County’s project is a welcome enhancement that has the additional benefit of expanding public Wi-Fi to additional locations. This will boost connectivity in our communities and ensure those who can’t afford or lack internet at home are not shutout of important online resources and services.”

“In today’s digital age, high-speed Internet access cannot be reserved solely for the wealthy few. It must be made available for all residents so they can access services, find and secure employment and connect with friends and family members,” added Assemblyman Singh. “Burlington County recognizes this need and is taking steps to boost connectivity across the county, including at polling locations. This is an important step to keep our elections secure and reliable, and I was proud to partner with Senator Singleton to support this project.”

Burlington County already has a large free Wi-Fi network compromised of more than 200 Wireless Access Points at County-owned buildings and all 15 Burlington County Library System branches and member libraries.

In 2023, the County further expanded the Wi-Fi network to nine County parks.

More than 231,000 users have connected to the public Wi-Fi service during the past year, according to the Burlington County Department of Information Technology.

County officials said upgrades have already been completed at all eight early voting locations. The state funding secured by Senator Singleton is expected to cover the expense for improving and expanding the network to about two dozen more polling places before this November’s election.

“These additional connections will help us continue to close the digital divide and address disparities in internet service,” said Hopson. “Those without access to high-speed internet are at a severe disadvantage, so we are grateful for Senator Singleton’s and Assembly Singh’s support and all our partners who are working with us to improve our polling places and extend our free Wi-Fi network.”

Original Article