New Voting Equipment Successfully Used

Liz Gullett

Aug 18, 2017

Last Tuesday, new voting equipment was put to the test during local elections held throughout the state. In all, sixty-three jurisdictions in the state used the new equipment last week. Many local clerks expressed their pleasure with the new equipment and stated election day went off without a hitch.

The new system uses digital optical scan technology, which includes improvements and increased ease of use for voters and election administrators. In addition, the equipment allows for electronic storage of ballot images, something that will be useful during post-election audits. The options available for voters with disabilities are also improved from the current system. The majority of the funding for the updated equipment came from federal funds as part of the 2002 Help America Vote Act. A portion of the funding came from state dollars, which were appropriated by the legislature. One of the vendors providing systems is Hart Intercivic (an MLC client) who deployed their Verity Voting System in at least ten counties.

By August 2018, it is anticipated that all cities and townships statewide will have the new equipment in place and ready-to-use in the November election.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.