In an effort to ensure voting machines are up to par, county leaders entered into a $5,000 contract to refurbish and maintain over 70 machines.
Yazoo County Circuit Clerk Robert Coleman said the total cost to maintain around 75 machines would cost $5,075, at a one-time cost.
“In the past, the state has been footing the bill on the maintenance and upkeep of the machines,” Coleman said, to the Yazoo County Board of Supervisors. “A few years ago, that agreement ended so now it is in the hands of the county to take care of it.”
Coleman said the contract is necessary, especially with upcoming elections carrying over the next couple of years.
Supervisor Cobie Collins also suggested possibly purchasing five new machines. But Coleman said the purchase would not be needed.
“My advice on that is to hold off because the machines will eventually be obsolete within the next five years,” Coleman said. “They have got new machines coming out. There will be no need to purchase four or five new ones.”
GiGi Matthews, election commissioner, also said county leaders need to be aware of new election laws that will affect a judicial primary in June.
“The legislature passed a bill last year that have revamped a lot of laws that affect us as election commissioners,” Matthew said. “We now have to train poll workers online, and they have to pass. Before June, we do have to train one person for each precinct, which is 23 people.”
Matthews said poll workers will also not be able to help anyone vote anymore.
“A lot of those were really wise choices that they have done,” said Supervisor Jayne Dew. “It will help keep the confusion down.”
Coleman said each precinct will also have to have a stationary “Vote Here” sign with times listed.
“We can do paper signs all day, but they want us to have an actual stationary sign,” Coleman said.
