Secretary of State
Grayson Announces First-in-the-Nation Online Service to Protect Voters

(Washington, D.C.) With internet scams rampant on the World Wide Web, Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson announced today a new effort to protect voters from fraudulent websites in anticipation of the largest election in Kentucky history with more than 4,000 races on the ballot.  Grayson, who was joined by Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron (D-New Mexico), made the historic announcement today at the National Press Club.  Kentucky and New Mexico will be the first states in the country to address fraudulent candidate websites.

            “Protecting the integrity of Kentucky’s elections is the highest priority for the Office of the Secretary of State and for the hundreds of local elections officials throughout the Commonwealth,” stated Secretary Grayson. “In the last few elections, political websites and online fundraising have proliferated, and so have concerns about fraudulent activity connected to such sites.  Election administrators must protect citizens from fraudulent political websites, or we may run the risk of alienating potential voters.”

            The new service will be available, free-of-charge, to all candidates who file with the Office of the Secretary of State.   The service utilizes cutting edge technology developed by ElectionMall™ Technologies, Inc. The Election Security™ Seal Program provides an online environment in which viewers are assured they are dealing with the legitimate websites of candidates.  In providing the latest in encryption services, the program delivers trust, confidence, as well as peace of mind among voters and candidates as they become secured and certified interactive online participants.

“I am so pleased by the leadership the Secretary has demonstrated,” said Ravi Singh, CEO and Founder of ElectionMall™ Technologies. “Secretary Grayson has the vision and foresight to employ the latest technologies that are being used in the business world to provide a more authentic online election process for the citizens of Kentucky.”

            During the 2004 elections, 75 million Americans used the Internet to obtain political news and information, making the Internet and online campaigning a top focus and communications medium for politicians and political groups.

            “Without question, the Internet is a major communications vehicle for candidates and voters. The Commonwealth’s citizens deserve to have confidence that a Kentucky candidate’s site is authentic,” continued Grayson.

            Official candidates who have filed with the Office of the Secretary of State will have the option to place an encrypted seal of the Secretary of State onto their site.  When a visitor clicks on the seal, it will redirect them to a site for official authentication. 

            Secretary Grayson, the youngest Secretary of State in the country and current chairman of the National Association of Secretaries of State’s Election’s Committee, as well as the national chairman of the Republican Association of Secretaries of State, has encouraged other states to follow Kentucky’s lead in this effort.

During his term in office, Grayson has continually advocated for improved technology to increase efficiencies and to provide greater access to information.  He has launched numerous online services since taking office, and his office just received a Standard of Excellence WebAward for the Office’s recently revamped website.  He noted that he hopes to continue adding new online services to further aide the citizens of Kentucky.

            Grayson concluded, “This program represents the latest, cutting-edge initiative to build a stronger election system for Kentucky.  Our Commonwealth is recognized as a national leader in election administration.  I am proud to continue that tradition today.”

Note: A media kit with the following additional information is available online at:  http://www.electionmall.biz/_mediakit.asp

Press Releases

Election Security Seal program White Paper.

Ravi Singh Biography 

Trey Grayson Biography

Rebecca Vigil-Giron Biography

Dean Harold J. Krent Biography 

New Mexico Statement of Use of Product 

FEC Chairman Scott Thomas Statement 

List of Online Fraud 

Internet Fax at a Glance 

Election Security Seal Program Product Fact Sheet 

Terminology Sheet 

Image of Online Election Seal 

Press photos

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