NEW VOTING TECHNOLOGY
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At top, far right, Governmental Business Systems Account Manager Kurt Knowles explains how Marquette County's new voting machines work. At right, a close-up of one of the new machines, manufactured by Dominion Voting Systems. (Journal photo by Kelsie Thompson)
MARQUETTE -- Marquette County is experiencing an overhaul of its outdated voting machinery.
Marquette County Clerk Linda Talsma, along with Governmental Business Systems Account Manager Kurt Knowles, showcased one of the machines, manufactured by Dominion Voting Systems, at the Marquette County Clerks Association meeting Thursday.
"It's going to make the process much faster," said Talsma, adding that additional features also enhance security. Ballots will appear the same, and voters will not experience any changes at the polls.
"Technology is ever-changing, and we're just catching up with the times," she said.
Every precinct in the county will receive one of the new machines, for a total of about 40.
They will be delivered this week, with trainings scheduled throughout the next six weeks.
They'll be first utilized at the Aug. 8 primary election, Talsma said.
The state of Michigan provided funding for the purchase of the machinery, which cost about $240,000 for Marquette County, said Knowles.
Marquette County is the first in the Upper Peninsula to receive them.
Kelsie Thompson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is kthompson@miningjournal.net.