Lehi Board of Elections considers new voting equipment from Heart Intercivic

In a pivotal meeting held at the Bladen County Board of Elections, officials gathered to address pressing concerns regarding the county's aging voting equipment. Board member Miss Wagner opened the session by highlighting the numerous issues encountered during the last election cycle, specifically citing 51 incident reports related to the current voting machines and tabulators.

The urgency of the situation was palpable as Wagner explained that the county's voting system, now a decade old, has deteriorated significantly, impacting its reliability. "Our equipment is currently 10 years old," she noted, emphasizing the need for a replacement to ensure fair and efficient elections. The board has already voted in favor of replacing the outdated equipment, which has been under scrutiny from the State Board due to its outdated software.

To facilitate this transition, Wagner introduced representatives from Harte Intrinsic, a company poised to provide the new voting system. Kelly Hood and Shawn Phillips presented their proposal, assuring the board of their commitment to better service and significant cost savings for the county. "We are one of the top voting vendors in the United States," Hood stated, highlighting their strong track record with a 99% customer retention rate and experience in over 20 states.

As the meeting progressed, the representatives outlined the necessary steps for the equipment replacement, which includes a demonstration, preliminary recommendations, and state approval. The board's proactive approach aims to restore confidence in the electoral process, ensuring that Bladen County residents can cast their votes with assurance in the integrity of the system.

With the proposal now on the table, the future of Bladen County's voting equipment hangs in the balance, as officials work diligently to secure a reliable solution that meets the needs of the community. The outcome of this initiative could significantly impact the county's electoral landscape, paving the way for smoother elections ahead.