Idaho elections office requests $2M for new voting system and personnel restructure
May 31, 2025 | Kootenai County, Idaho
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Kootenai County officials are gearing up for a significant upgrade to their election systems, requesting over $2 million to implement a new voting technology that promises enhanced security and efficiency. During the FY26 Elected Officials Budget Meeting held on May 30, 2025, the county's election team outlined their proposal to transition to the Hart Verity Vanguard voting system, which is compliant with the latest Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG 2).
The current voting equipment is outdated and unable to meet new certification standards, prompting the need for this investment. The new system will not only streamline ballot creation and tabulation but also allow for real-time ballot printing at polling locations, reducing the complexity of managing multiple ballot styles. This change is particularly crucial as discussions among state legislators hint at consolidating elections, which could further complicate ballot distribution.
The proposal includes four major components: a central count system for absentee ballots, a ballot-on-demand printing system, precinct ballot scanners, and ADA-compliant ballot marking devices. These upgrades aim to improve the overall voting experience and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
In addition to the technology upgrades, the election office is also restructuring its personnel. A new election director position is being proposed, along with an election manager role, while eliminating the current election supervisor position. This reorganization is designed to better support the growing demands of the election process, especially as the county manages a larger pool of poll workers.
The total budget request reflects a strategic move towards modernizing Kootenai County's election infrastructure, with officials emphasizing the importance of being at the forefront of election security and efficiency. As the county prepares for the upcoming elections, the implementation of this new system is expected to take time, with plans to continue using existing equipment for the immediate future.
The current voting equipment is outdated and unable to meet new certification standards, prompting the need for this investment. The new system will not only streamline ballot creation and tabulation but also allow for real-time ballot printing at polling locations, reducing the complexity of managing multiple ballot styles. This change is particularly crucial as discussions among state legislators hint at consolidating elections, which could further complicate ballot distribution.
The proposal includes four major components: a central count system for absentee ballots, a ballot-on-demand printing system, precinct ballot scanners, and ADA-compliant ballot marking devices. These upgrades aim to improve the overall voting experience and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
In addition to the technology upgrades, the election office is also restructuring its personnel. A new election director position is being proposed, along with an election manager role, while eliminating the current election supervisor position. This reorganization is designed to better support the growing demands of the election process, especially as the county manages a larger pool of poll workers.
The total budget request reflects a strategic move towards modernizing Kootenai County's election infrastructure, with officials emphasizing the importance of being at the forefront of election security and efficiency. As the county prepares for the upcoming elections, the implementation of this new system is expected to take time, with plans to continue using existing equipment for the immediate future.
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