Board approves four voting machines to support Leland primary; city later requests more for general election

The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved a request to provide four county voting machines to support a municipal primary election in Leland. The request came from the Washington County Democratic Executive Committee, which said Leland's municipal committee was not active and state law required the county party to conduct the primary.

County and party representatives explained the distinction between party‑run primaries and the general election. The mayor and party chair explained the party would conduct the primary and asked for four machines (one for each precinct arrangement planned); the city had separately requested six machines for the general election. County officials agreed to provide four machines for the primary and to work with the city on the later general‑election request.

Why it matters: Providing equipment is an operational necessity for local elections. County staff said machines would be distributed and returned after the primary. Board members stressed the need for clear custody and responsibility for equipment during party‑run events.

Board action: The board approved the party's request for four machines for the primary and agreed to coordinate machine distribution and return. Supervisors emphasized the party would be responsible for the machines during the primary; the county will address the city's separate request for additional machines for the June general election in a subsequent agenda item.

Ending: County staff will work with the party and the city to schedule delivery and training for the machines and to ensure transparency and security for ballots in each precinct.