During a recent government meeting, community members voiced strong concerns regarding the use of electronic voting machines, urging officials to consider a return to hand counting ballots. Speakers highlighted issues of cybersecurity and the potential for foreign interference, citing instances of hacking attributed to countries such as China, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine. They argued that the reliance on complex machines and software not only raises security concerns but also incurs significant costs for taxpayers.

One speaker, identified as Doctor Chuck, emphasized the need for a citizen oversight committee to formally present findings related to the performance of voting systems. He called for a delay in signing a contract extension for the current voting technology, advocating for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Another speaker, Linda, detailed the financial burdens associated with electronic voting, including the costs of equipment, software updates, and training. She argued that hand counting is a more straightforward, cost-effective, and secure method of ensuring that votes are accurately counted.

The meeting also featured impassioned remarks from Helene McDermott, who framed the issue within a broader context of governmental accountability, invoking religious themes to rally support against the current voting system. She urged attendees to reject the use of machines, aligning her message with a call for civic engagement and resistance to perceived governmental overreach.

As the meeting concluded, several speakers reiterated their requests for a delay in contract decisions, emphasizing the need for community input and oversight in the management of voting systems. The discussions reflect a growing sentiment among constituents advocating for a more transparent and citizen-driven approach to electoral integrity.