County voters will have access to some new voting equipment beginning in the upcoming primary election. County Clerk Leah Denbo recently announced the county had be awarded a grant in the amount of $64,240 from the office of the Indiana Secretary of State.
The grant will cover the purchase of new ballot readers and three voting machines. According the Denbo, the new machines will feature enhanced built-in technology than what the present 12-year-old machines have.
“Our voting machines are approaching the age we need to start replacing them,” Denbo said. “Receiving this grant means we can start the process to replace what we have.”
By state voting regulation, all voting equipment must go through a series of test before being used in any election. Denbo said the present machines are being tested and there have been no problems found.
The new ballot readers will save the county in operating expenses according to Denbo in the amount of paper used compared to the old readers. However, voters will still have the opportunity to check their ballots. The new ballot readers have proven to be more cost effective than the older readers.
“Voters will still get a paper copy of their vote, and if there is a mistake it can be taken care of before the voter casts any vote,” Denbo said.
Denbo said no early votes will be calculated until 6 a.m. on Primary Election Day which is November 7.
Former County Clerk Karyn Douglas started the grant process in 2023. After being turned down for the initial request, which was much higher to replace all voting equipment, Denbo decided to reduce the grant request to the awarded amount and to being the process to eventually upgrade all voting equipment.
Denbo also want voters to know that there is never a time when voting results are available on line until the vote is complete and reported to election officials.
“There is not a time when our voting process has access to the internet,” Denbo said.
The new equipment will be used beginning 6 a.m. April 4 during the early voting period.
early voting for primary begins April 9
Don’t stand in line on election day. Consider casting your vote ahead of the upcoming Primary Election on May 7.
Registered voters may cast an early vote at two locations.
Votes may be cast from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning April 9 through May 3, on the first floor of the Montgomery County Courthouse. The courthouse also will be open for early voting from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 and May 4 as well as 9 a.m. to noon May 6.
Voters also may cast an early vote at Rock Point Church, 429 W. C.R. 150S, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 27 and May 4 and 2-7 p.m. May 1-3.
On Primary Election Day on May 7, voters can visit any of the county’s four vote centers from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to cast a ballot. Vote centers are located at the Montgomery County 4-H Building, North Montgomery High School, Whitesville Church and Rock Point Church.
To vote by mail or to arrange home delivery, call 765-364-6437.
The last day to register to vote in the Primary Election is April 8.
