Sumter County Director of Voter Registration and Elections Pat Jefferson has unveiled new voting machines.
“Sumter County, along with all 46 counties in the state of South Carolina, have now been given Express Vote,” she said. “This will be the first time we are using the brand new voting machine.”
Deidre Boone, Sumter County’s IT Services Manager, helped demonstrate use of the machines for the media. Also on hand were Goliath Brunson, Chairman of the Sumter County Election Commission, Vice-Chairman Charles Moore and Commissioner Trevor Ivey.
Mayeville Mayor Jereleen Hollimon-Miller was also on hand for the demonstration as Mayesville’s mayoral and town council election is slated for Nov. 5, 2019.
The tabulation test run went well, Jefferson said, and absentee voting for the Mayesville general election is now open.
Upon arriving at their polling location, voters should have their photo ID ready, along with their Voter Registration card, Jefferson said, as she explained the process.
Once a voter is checked in, a paper ballot card is given, along with instructions. If the voter is not familiar with the machines, a demonstration is offered prior to entering the voting booth, she said.
The voter is taken to cast their ballot and the ballot card is given back for review. If the voter is pleased, they will then be directed to the scanner where the ballot card is entered.
Jefferson said it’s a faster and more secure process and noted the new machines are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. She said her staff is engaged in many public outreach efforts to ensure folks are familiar with the process and she is happy to speak to civic groups to educate the public.
The Office of Voter Registration and Elections also has a machine on hand if voters would like to come by and see how it works. It’s located in the Sumter County Courthouse, 141 N. Main St. and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
“We are excited about these machines and we look forward to using them,” she said.
For more information, call (803) 436-2310, 436-2311, 436-2312, or 436-2313.