Concerns over election integrity dominated the recent government meeting, with multiple residents voicing their frustrations regarding the use of voting machines and ballot drop boxes. Citizens expressed a strong desire for a return to hand-counted ballots, citing issues with the reliability of electronic voting systems observed during the last election.

One resident highlighted personal experiences with ballot machines, noting that their ballot was rejected multiple times before being accepted. This sentiment was echoed by others who reported similar difficulties, leading to calls for a complete reevaluation of the current voting technology. Suggestions included implementing hand counting with trained observers to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral process.

Donna Sherwin, another attendee, referenced the Citizens Clean Election Act, emphasizing the need for measures that promote confidence in the electoral system. She criticized the decision to eliminate certain voting machines while questioning the adequacy of the remaining drop boxes, which she argued were insufficiently monitored and could lead to further mistrust among voters.

Jerry Hubbard raised concerns about the monitoring of ballot drop boxes, pointing out discrepancies between state regulations and the county's practices. He advocated for a return to traditional voting methods, suggesting that simplifying the process could enhance public trust.

Belinda West criticized the lack of transparency regarding election security assessments and called for independent evaluations of the voting systems to address vulnerabilities. She urged the board to establish a backup hand count for upcoming elections to bolster confidence in the electoral process.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing demand among residents for greater accountability and transparency in the electoral system, with many advocating for a shift back to more traditional voting methods to restore public trust.