Jasper County board readies for June primary, flags early-voting schedule and new voting equipment

The Jasper County board was briefed Wednesday on preparations for the June primary and a possible June 23 runoff, with staff outlining early-voting dates, sample ballots and plans to test new voting hardware.

The Director told the board the total number of registered voters as of April 5 was 26,638, an increase of 248, and reviewed which state House and county races will appear on the June 9 primary ballot. The Director said early voting for the primary opens May 26 and will run weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through June 5. Because Juneteenth is a holiday on June 19, runoff early voting will be held June 17 and 18 only.

"The total registered voters as of April 5th [are] 26,638," the Director said. "We have an increase of 248." The Director also confirmed early-voting locations will include the office in Hartwell and a reserved site in Lavonia.

Staff said sample and test ballots are expected around April 22 so officials can verify ballot content and formatting before the election. The board discussed ballot lengths and testing logistics; staff said the county'9s ballot will likely be two-sided and will require thorough machine testing.

The board discussed voting equipment and a potential pilot purchase. The Director said the office has previously used DS400 equipment in 2025 and plans to purchase two of the new multi-voter units initially, with additional purchases to be considered based on user acceptance and county funding decisions. Staff noted the devices are expensive and that wider deployment would require council approval.

"We'9re only going to get two right now because they'9re very expensive," the Director said, adding the county will consider buying more if the pilot proves successful.

The Director also noted that vendor demonstrations planned for May 14 (coinciding with the board'9s next scheduled meeting) may be rescheduled to May 7 so board members can attend. The board discussed whether a precinct clerk could attend a demonstration and represent the board; staff clarified that a clerk attending a demonstration would not have voting authority on behalf of the board.

Board members asked about the timeline for the department budget; staff said the county council is expected to act on the budget in June or July. The Director said any purchases of new equipment would need county approval and budget authority before the county-wide rollout.

The board did not take any binding procurement actions at the meeting. The department will proceed with ballot testing and coordinate vendor demonstrations and a possible pilot purchase for the new units.