County approves $329,565 purchase of upgraded voting equipment to speed results and meet new rules

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners approved the county elections office’s request to finalize a $329,565 purchase of upgraded voting tabulators, ballot boxes and a high-speed counter under the state contract.

Elections official Melissa Kirschner said the purchase is an upgrade to the county’s current equipment and is intended to speed reporting of results and comply with changes from recent state legislation. Kirschner told the board the request was vetted through public demonstrations, recommended by the county Board of Elections and approved by the State Board of Elections’ executive director in October. She said the purchase is included in the current fiscal-year budget and that the county will receive trade-in value and vendor discounts for existing equipment.

Kirschner also noted recurring annual maintenance fees for the software and equipment are required by state contract and estimated that maintenance costs are in the $45,000–$50,000 range annually. Commissioners approved the purchase by motion and voice vote and asked the elections staff to report back on the early-voting site selection process.

Next steps include equipment certification and scheduling delivery and training before early voting dates.