Burlington County officials have announced a new initiative to improve internet connectivity at polling locations and expand free public Wi-Fi access. The plan, introduced by the Burlington County Commissioners along with State Senator Singleton and Assemblyman Balvir Singh, is supported by $200,000 in state funding from the FY 2025-26 State Budget and Appropriations Act.
The Burlington County Department of Information Technology will install secure, high-speed internet equipment at polling sites across the county. This upgrade aims to strengthen Wi-Fi coverage at each location to ensure reliable connections during elections. Electronic poll books used for voter check-in rely on secure internet access to verify registrations and confirm voting status, though voting machines themselves are not connected to networks.
Outside of election days, these enhancements will also provide free public Wi-Fi at polling 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 highlighted that the upgrades would both enhance election processes and increase public internet availability: “Elections are the bedrock our democracy and that demands all levels of government to work together to ensure the process is secure and efficient,” he said. “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.”
Assemblyman Singh added: “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. 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 operates a large free Wi-Fi network with more than 200 wireless access points located in county-owned buildings as well as all 15 branches of its library system. According to its official website, one goal of the Burlington County Library System is enriching lives through learning opportunities.
The county expanded its network further in 2023 by adding nine parks as new Wi-Fi sites. Over 231,000 users have accessed public Wi-Fi over the past year according to county data.
Upgrades have been completed at all eight early voting sites so far; state funding secured by Senator Singleton will allow improvements at about two dozen more polling places before 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.”
Burlington County covers 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area (source) and includes numerous cities, boroughs, townships (source). The Board of County Commissioners consists of five members serving at-large (source).
