Public accuracy test of voting equipment provides transparency just in time for the 2024 presidential election
By: April Hernandez
MIDLAND – Amid all the fuss about the 2020 presidential election, a recent public accuracy test of voting equipment at the Larkin Charter Township Office revealed the careful steps taken to make sure the voting process is fair and square.
The January meeting drew the interest of locals eager to see the voting machines up close and personal, also offering a chance to ease worries and boost trust before the upcoming presidential election.
Larkin Township County Clerk, Lisa Rich, emphasized the rigorous checks and balances in place to safeguard against fraudulent activities. From verifying signatures on absentee ballots to conducting preventative maintenance on voting machines, every measure is taken to ensure a fair and transparent election.
The demonstration highlighted the testing of different ballot issues like over-votes, hand-marked test ballots and incorrect precinct ballots. Each problem was carefully looked into to make sure the voting machines could spot and flag any irregularities accurately. It showed just how strong the system is at catching and fixing potential mistakes.
Attendees also got a peek into the security measures keeping the voting gear safe from tampering or meddling. They talked about seals, locks and tight access controls as the main ways they keep things secure. Election officials expressed how crucial it is to keep those machines safe and sound throughout the whole election process.
The conductor talked about how software on voting machines is kept updated.
“We do what’s called preventative maintenance every other year. So, on the odd years, our teams come out and touch every single machine in Michigan, that’s a Dominion machine.”
“The Dominion voting machine is used worldwide,” added the conductor. “In Michigan, most counties use Dominion – about 65 of them.”
When asked if there was a worker at each voting machine, Rich expressed the importance of keeping each vote anonymous, saying, “Not too close up because we’re not allowed to watch you do it.”
The public accuracy test held at the Larkin Charter Township Office was a big moment for ensuring confidence in the electoral process before the 2024 presidential election. Through chats about security and hands-on demos, election officials showed they are serious about keeping things ethical. By encouraging people to get involved and stressing the need for privacy and security, they are working to make sure everyone feels confident about how elections are run.
