County leaders clash over election transparency and machine voting

During a recent government meeting in Fall River County, significant discussions centered around the contentious issue of election transparency and the future of the county jail.

One of the primary topics was the community's demand for hand-counted ballots instead of machine counts. A recent poll indicated that a substantial majority of local voters—50% of Democrats, 60% of independents, and 80% of Republicans—expressed concerns regarding the transparency of voting machines. Residents voiced their desire for hand counting, with many stating they would take action to ensure it happens. The sentiment was echoed by several board members, who noted that no citizens had advocated for machine counting, raising questions about the integrity of the current voting process.

The discussion also highlighted the board's decision to conduct a 100% audit of machine counts after elections, with repercussions if discrepancies exceed 2%. This decision was met with mixed reactions, as some members argued that a recount would not address the same concerns as a hand count.

In addition to election matters, the meeting addressed the ongoing challenges surrounding the county jail. Officials are awaiting confirmation from engineers regarding the possibility of securing a 4% loan for construction. If the loan is not approved, the board will need to consider alternative financing options or purchasing land for a new facility.

As the meeting concluded, the board moved into an executive session to discuss personnel and contractual negotiations, indicating ongoing efforts to address the county's pressing issues. The discussions reflect a community grappling with transparency in governance and the need for infrastructure improvements amidst rising concerns about public safety and accountability.