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Vendor demonstrates VVSG 2.0 voting equipment, clerk says county may delay purchase
Summary
Chris Kurland of Election Systems & Software demonstrated new voting machines that meet the federal VVSG 2.0 standard, highlighting ADA features, dual-authentication and audit options; county clerk Chassity confirmed Linn County can continue using current certified equipment until it chooses to replace it.
Chris Kurland, a representative of Election Systems & Software, demonstrated the next-generation voting machines and told Linn County commissioners the new equipment meets the federal VVSG 2.0 standard and includes several security and accessibility upgrades. Kurland said the package includes an ADA “Express” device with headphones and a tactile keypad for blind voters, thermal vote-cards that can be reused when unused, and a faster vote-tally tape that reduces end-of-night processing time from about 10 minutes to roughly one minute.
Kurland described technical safeguards built into the machines, including dual-authentication for poll workers (password plus a smart card) and an optional encoder that prints a random number to support risk-limiting audits. He said the devices have a backup battery rated for three to four hours and a redesigned housing and handle to make transport easier for poll workers.
"This machine does nothing more than mark a ballot," Kurland said, emphasizing the combination of paper backup and machine-assisted marking that preserves a voter-verifiable paper record. He also noted thermal cards reduce per-election waste because unused cards can be reissued.
County clerk Chassity (introduced in the meeting) confirmed that, under current federal guidance, counties can remain on their presently certified machines until they decide to switch to the new equipment. "You'll be certified with the new federal standards and you'll also have some of the new safety features," Kurland said, but he added U.S. Election Assistance Commission timelines for mandatory switching have not been set.
Why it matters: The changes affect accessibility for voters with disabilities, the county’s ability to conduct post-election audits, and election night processing. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timelines, logistics and who would pay for an eventual upgrade; no procurement decision was made during the meeting.
Next steps: The county clerk will determine when Linn County will initiate a purchase or certification process if it chooses to move to the new machines.
