Virginia - Fairfax County Office of Elections
Program Title
Security Built, Not Bought: Modernizing chain-of-custody with GPS, RFID, and no-code tools
Program Summary
In 2025, Fairfax County built a custom chain-of-custody tracking system using no-code tools, GPS, RFID, and barcode scanning to secure over 3,300 pieces of voting equipment across 280 locations. Each time equipment moves, staff scan its barcode using a mobile phone, automatically recording the handlers identity, timestamp, GPS coordinates, and photo verification, creating an auditable record trail. Supervisors monitor a live dashboard showing exactly where equipment is and where it has been. This independent, real-time visibility into Fairfax Countys entire voting system allows for misdirected equipment that might not have been discovered until Election Day to be immediately corrected.