ELECTION UPGRADES COULD BE COSTLY
Thursday, August 5th, 2010 -- 10:09 AM
Clerks around Clark County are examining their options for the upcoming fall elections.Clark County has what?s called a central vote counter located at the courthouse. After the polls close, clerks drive to Neillsville and run the ballots through the machine that reads the votes and provides a tally.
Well, that machine is outdated. It?s 10 years old, past warranty and the company isn?t even offering a service package anymore.
County Clerk Christina Jensen has recommended all municipalities purchase individual precinct counters. They cost around $4,400 a piece. Among the many benefits of the devices is the fact clerks could simply call or fax the results to the Courthouse. But, municipalities were hoping the county might cover half the cost, but the Executive Committee shot down that idea this week.
Jensen says the municipalities are mulling their options, but there?s a possibility local poll workers may have to go back to counting ballots ?the old fashioned way.?
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