WOODSFIELD — A resident took her concerns regarding the possible purchase of new voting machines in Monroe County to commissioners, but the board of elections reassured her there are no plans to purchase the machines.
Nicole Hunter, a concerned county resident, met with Monroe County Commissioners Diane Burkhart, Bill Bolon and Mick Schumacher last week to voice her issue about the Monroe County Board of Elections potentially purchasing new voting machines. She said she had attended the board’s last meeting on June 15 and was concerned when the board discussed purchasing a couple new ES&S voting machines.
“It surprised me because of the controversy going on around these machines right now and in the country, and what happened with these types of machines throughout the country, and what’s still happening with these types of machines as a result of the 2020 election,” she said.
Hunter said her main concern with the machines is that they can be connected to the internet, which she believes can lead to them being hacked by someone wishing to interfere with an election. She said she would like to know why the county would be interested in purchasing the new machines.
Schumacher said the board of elections had not discussed the potential purchase with the commissioners, which would be done if members were going to make the purchase. He added that the county purchased new voting machines approximately five years ago.
Hunter also spoke about her want for the county to move toward paper-only ballots as opposed to electronic ones. She asserted that would ensure a more accurate voting system and ease people’s minds about possible election corruption.
Schumacher said that decision is not up to the county. He said local officials must follow the state’s implemented election guidelines.
Monroe County Board of Elections officials were also present at the commission meeting and assured Hunter the board does not plan to purchase any new voting machines at this time. Director Molly Landefeld said the board is “not purchasing anything right now.” She said the topic was discussed when speaking about the board’s budget, but that is a common occurrence at its meetings.
“We talk about things all the time, but we are not purchasing anything. Wherever that came from is misinformation … ,” she said. “We never make any decision unless we include the county commissioners. That was taken out of context.”
Hunter said she knew the board had not confirmed the purchase but was still concerned that they were planning to purchase the machines.
As of now, the board does not plan to purchase new voting machines.
Commissioners thanked Hunter for her time in attending the meeting.
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