Product Origins

VoterAccess was first used in the 1994 campaign cycle. Since the initial DOS version of the Product was used in the 1994 Primary, it has undergone a dramatic transformation. The first major step forward was a move to Access 2.0 and Windows. The current version is based on Access 2002 (Office XP), with files stored in Access 2000 format. Like dBase before it, Access 2000 files are compatible with nearly all database programs, or programs that can read Access files, Access 2002 and 2003. VoterAccess is the result of thousands of hours of development, testing, and user feedback. Development efforts have always strived to address customer needs.

In 1999, VoterAccess, LLC, was formed to further the development and marketing of VoterAccess. VoterAccess, LLC, is a partnership between Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP, one of the largest CPA firms in California, and David L. Terrie, the developer of VoterAccess, LLC. In April 2001, Terrie bought out VTD's share of VoterAccess, LLC, in preparation for moving VoterAccess, LLC, offices to El Dorado Hills, CA, east of Sacramento.

Major Milestones

A key advance in 1996 was the inclusion of powerful SQL query generation technology, which enables users to store and combine any number of profiles without affecting performance. With a few clicks of the mouse, the query generator can produce queries combining any set of critieria with any combination of 'And', 'Or', or 'Not' query operators. Many of these queries would be virtually impossible to create without using VoterAccess' query generation technology. The bottom line is that any combination of geographic, demographic and voter history criteria that can be specified, saved, and combined with other saved criteria at will.

VoterAccess has many unique features, such as Bar Code Scanning, Record Tagging using Voter IDs, and the ability to import Polling Data. These features alone make VoterAccess a must-have tool - one that will make a difference. It is without doubt a better weapon at a lower cost.

In 2002, VoterAccess, LLC, formed an OEM agreement with Political Data, Inc. to sell the 'PDI Campaign Manager', a version of VoterAccess optimized to use Political Data Inc.'s enhanced voter files. The new version of the program coincided with the launch of VoterAccess 7.0, which features a number of new call, walk, and GOTV reports, as well as new querying options and analytical reports.

VoterAccess, now in v9.0, is installed using the latest installation technology from Wise and Sagekey. Among other benefits, this new installation technology enables Web deployment of VoterAccess demos. Users can now web install VoterAccess with a demo license, receive a user license by email, and download their data without having to wait CDs to be shipped to them. VoterAccess, LLC, can post voter files for download with hours of their receipt.

About the Author

David Terrie has been working in various aspects of the computer industry since 1977. He has been a leading analyst for such market research companies focusing on the computer industry, including the International Data Corporation, The Yankee Group and The Seybold Group. He has been providing both custom and packaged software products employing PC-based relational database technology since 1987. Prior to developing VoterAccess, Terrie developed and marketed two packaged software products, one for eliminating duplicates, and a second for enhancing name and address fields for personalized mailings. Many of the proprietary techniques developed for these programs are used in VoterAccess.  In addition to being CEO of VoterAccess, LLC, Terrie is Managing Director of Information Technology for Axiom, Inc., which is primarily dedicated to providing information services and consulting to schools, cities, and other public entities, where his team develops a variety of web/windows applications using Access, SQL Server and Reporting Service, and Visual Studio.NET.