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Clerk: incorrect ballots and new verification software prompted outreach; county to review vendor arrangements
Summary
Clerk described how a new four-digit requirement and a locality not voting caused confusion, prompting targeted outreach and tests of new ballot-verification software; clerk said the county will evaluate contracts and equipment ahead of the November election.
The clerk told the council that this primary presented new operational challenges, including a newly required four-digit identifier on certain mail ballots and a locality that did not vote in the primary, which together caused confusion for some voters.
"We did phone calls, emails, texts, letters," the clerk said, describing the office's outreach to affected voters who turned in incorrect ballots. The clerk said most voters were informed of the issue and given options to cure their ballots (by mail reprint or in person).
The clerk said the office successfully tested software that can digitally read and verify the newly required four digits on white mail ballots and noted that the county's current validation equipment is being phased out. "This technology hasn't existed in the election space prior to this time," the clerk said, adding that a new piece of equipment will be needed to manage the transition.
The clerk also said the office plans to evaluate its contract with media partners and other bidders and is coordinating with the county attorney's office and bidders to determine best options for services for the November election. The clerk said further updates will be provided in the coming weeks.
