Counties must implement new voting systems in Pa. by end of 2019
State officials told county governments Thursday they must buy new voting systems that keep a paper trail by the end of next year.
The move comes as many voting machines across the state – including in Washington and Greene counties – near the end of their lifespans and must be replaced soon.
The state Department of State said Congress earmarked $13.5 million for election security in Pennsylvania under the Help America Vote Act of 2002. A 5-percent state match brings the total funds to help counties buy new machines to $14.15 million to help counties adopt the required paper-verifiable voting systems.
Washington and Greene counties each bought touch-screen machines in 2006 with help from funds allocated under the 2002 law, which Congress passed on the heels of the Bush-Gore presidential race in 2000.
Washington County’s machines have a longevity of 10 to 12 years.
“I think, first of all, our machines are getting older. They need to be updated,” Washington County Commission Chairman Larry Maggi said. “And I believe in the paper-verifiable trail that goes along with this.”
The Department of State released an “invitation for bid” to vendors earlier this month for new voting systems which meet what it says are enhanced security and and reporting abilities.
Washington County paid about $2.1 million the last time it bought machines, with $300,000 of that coming from the county treasury. Maggi couldn’t provide an exact price tag this time around.
“The state’s still deciding what they’re going to allow us to do, what machines are available and what vendors are going to be certified,” he said.
State officials hope counties will have the new systems in place for the November 2019 general election, but are using Dec. 31 of that year as a deadline.
One system has been certified so far, with several more expected to follow this summer and fall. A vendor demonstration for the new voting systems is planned for April 26 in Harrisburg’s Farm Show Complex.
Greene County elections director Tina Kiger said last week her office is still waiting for several of the new voting machines with paper records to be approved by the state before deciding which system to purchase.
Kiger said Greene County’s machines are functioning well but also reaching the end of their expected lifespan.
She did not know how much a new system would cost the county. The 114 current machines were purchased in 2006 for nearly $400,000, with the help of some federal grant money.
Maggi stressed the importance of his job as a commissioner to ensure free and fair elections.
“People have to believe that their vote counts, it’s been cast and it’s counted,” he said. “If they don’t have faith in their voting system, then that’s not good for democracy.