Four days later, pair return to board

WAYNESBURG – After minor problems at two precincts in the May primary, poll workers will now be the first to cast their votes in the upcoming election to ensure that all machines are calibrated and functioning properly.
Elections Director Tina Kiger announced the protocol during Tuesday’s Board of Elections meeting in an attempt to minimize any problems during the Nov. 3 election.
Representatives from Electronic Software & Systems also attended the meeting and discussed options to lend technical support. However, the elections board made no decision on the matter.
At the beginning of the meeting, Greene County President Judge Farley Toothman, Michael Dulaney and Frances D. Pratt were sworn-in as the new elections board members just four days after Toothman, Dulaney and Lawrence Stratton resigned from the board. The three board members listened to complaints and concerns from about 20 people who attended the meeting.
Greene County has 113 voting machines which were purchased around 10 years ago and have the same software system as they did then. Greene County Republican Party Chairman Greg Hopkins said he has heard from several people questioning how trustworthy the machines are. One machine in the Franklin East precinct registered the wrong votes during the May primary, although the problem was discovered early and the machine was re-calibrated without further issues.
ES&S Regional Sales Manager Todd Urosevich said Greene County has the most up-to-date software system and machines that have been certified by Pennsylvania election officials.
“No new machine has yet to be certified,” Urosevich said. “You have the best machines that you can have.”
Also during the meeting, Kiger said a notice sheet will now be placed on the doors of each polling station reminding voters to check the review page to make sure all of their selections are correct. This initiative was taken to help educate voters and ensure votes are accurate and concise.
Pratt praised Kiger and county IT Department Director Scott Kelley for their work to ensure a smooth election, saying “they are the best at their jobs.”
“You cannot fix this system for 100 percent of the people,” Pratt said “The main thing we can do is educate people.”
The next election board meeting is noon Oct. 16.