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Ad hoc committee: Beaufort County needs 622 BMDs, 215 e-poll books and 86 scanners for Nov. 5
Summary
The ad hoc turnout and resource allocation committee presented a data-driven calculation using 2022 turnout that estimates Beaufort County will need 622 ballot-marking devices, 215 electronic poll books and 86 scanners for the Nov. 5 election; committee says funding and procurement are in place for needed equipment.
The ad hoc committee on turnout and resource allocation told the board that, after indexing precincts to 2022 general-election turnout, Beaufort County will need 622 ballot-marking devices (BMDs), 215 electronic poll books and 86 scanners at polling locations for the Nov. 5 general election.
"So then we applied that calculation to the 84 polling locations this November 5 for the 126 precincts. And the result of that calculation is that on election day, BMDs, we'll need 622 of them," Matt Sweeney said during the committee report. He noted that the estimate is up from 580 discussed in May and that 123 additional BMDs would be required compared with current inventory.
Board members asked whether newly procured machines will be certified and compatible; Director Marie said the equipment will be certified and compatible for the November election and that delivery and installation are scheduled for late September after a special election in early September is complete. The board thanked the legislative delegation for support in securing state-level procurement assistance and noted the vendor agreement approved by the state authority.
Staff said some equipment will arrive around Sept. 23 with installation through Sept. 25 if needed so the board can use the upgraded tabulators and scanners for the Nov. 5 election. The board reserved time during briefings and trainings to highlight small operational changes introduced with the new equipment.
