FRANKLIN, Ind. — Electronic voting machines that leave a paper trail will be rolled out for the first time in Johnson County this next election cycle.
A few months ago during municipal elections throughout the county, voters experienced long lines and voting machines that were not working properly. To solve this issue, Johnson County commissioners agreed Monday night to spend $1.5 million on new voting machines.
“The machines are simple, they are easy,” said Johnson County Clerk Trena McLaughlin to WISH-TV. “They are easy to set up, they are easy to take down and they are easy to vote on.”
According to McLaughlin, that $1.5 million will buy the county 320 voting machines that have the VVPAT, which is the system that leaves a paper trail of every person’s vote. It makes sure ballots are accurate before they are locked in.
“I’m happy to hear that they’re getting an upgrade,” said Johnson County resident Tom Melton. “The last thing you want to do is limit people or make them wait in line. We need more folks voting, not less.”
The newly purchased machines will arrive early next year. As opposed to touch screens like the old machines, these machines have buttons.
(PHOTO: Gregg Newton/Getty Images)
