SOUTHWICK – The Town of Southwick is looking to purchase four new voting machines by the spring of 2019.
During last month’s elections a couple of voting machines at the Southwick Town Hall broke down. While the exact causes are unknown, Town Clerk Michelle Hill pointed out that it rained a lot that day and the moisture could have caused the machines to disconnect when people were trying to put in their ballots.
“It just led to a challenging evening,” said Hill. “We don’t want that to ever happen again.”
Select Board Vice-Chairman Russ Fox echoed Hill’s statement.
“You don’t want machines breaking down,” said Fox. “I don’t think we want to be faced with problems.”
Southwick Town Clerk Michelle Hill is seen using a machine in the past. (WNG File Photo)
In an effort to combat that challenge, Southwick has qualified under the state to purchase four new machines. According to Hill, three of the machines will become working machines for future elections, while the fourth one will serve as a backup in case any of the remaining machines happen to break down.
While Hill is unsure of what the price will be for the four machines, she noted that the current machines, which are at least 12-years-old, cost around $20,000 in total.
When examining the process of purchasing the machines, Fox will be suggesting a reserve fund transfer from the Finance Committee to buy them.
During a Select Board meeting last week, the board made a motion to support Hill and her proposal to purchase four new voting machines.
“I’m really happy that the Select Board is supporting me,” said Hill.
Hill is hoping to have the voting machines ready and in place for May before there are any town elections. The plan would be to allow town officials to look at the machines and see how they work before they are used for larger elections, like a state or presidential election.
