Plaistow selectmen approve purchase of three VotingWorks machines, seek grant offset

The Plaistow Board of Selectmen authorized the town manager to order three VotingWorks voting machines, including a laser printer and annual maintenance, at a total cost of $21,000 and agreed to pursue a grant to offset roughly $10,500.

The vote came during the May 19 meeting with three selectmen present; the board directed staff to place the order now so the town can claim a grant that pays $3,500 per machine. Town officials said the machines are more user friendly than the town’s current equipment and would reduce the risk of having no working units during busy elections.

Town officials said the machines would be purchased through existing budgeted funds. The board noted current tabulators are more than 20 years old and increasingly difficult to service; members said replacing them before parts become unavailable is important for upcoming elections.

Greg (Town Manager) told the board the total package price of $21,000 includes a laser printer and the first-year maintenance fee. With the grant the net cost to the town would be about $10,500; the board previously budgeted $12,000 for voting equipment.

The board voted to approve the purchase and directed staff to apply for the grant; the order will be placed immediately to ensure the grant funds remain available.

The town clerk and moderator attended prior demonstrations and recommended the vendor based on a presentation attended in October in Sandown. No additional conditions or amendments to the purchase were recorded at the meeting.

The action resolves a recurring operational issue the town has raised about aging voting equipment and aims to have new machines installed and available for the next local elections.