HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – When Ottawa County voters head to the polls today, they will find new technology and a fresh look to their voting experience.
There are three contested races in Ottawa County. Here in Holland the primary election is for the third ward seat. Incumbent Brian Burch is looking for a third four-year-term with challengers Raul Garcia and Tim Marroquin.
Grand Haven Mayor Geri McCaleb has served since 2011 and is running against Mike Fritz and Nichol Stack.
Ferrysburg Mayor Daniel S. Ruiter is being challenged by Regina Sjoberg and Rebecca K. Hopp.
The Ottawa County Clerk’s Office has upgraded to a new voting equipment system. The purchase marks the County’s first major upgrade of voting technology in 13 years.
Hart’s Verity voting system was selected for purchase because it is secure, accurate and easy to use says County Clerk Justin Roebuck has just been appointed to Michigan’s Electronic Recording Commission this week by Governor Rick Snyder. It’s been tested and is ready to go.
“We’re excited for tomorrow with the official rollout of Ottawa County’s new voting equipment. We’ve gone through rigorous tests with this new equipment which we do prior to every election. We go through what we call the logic and accuracy test and run a number of ballots through test mechanisms to make sure everything is functioning correctly. That was all conducted last week and it passed with flying colors.”
Voters at the precincts will continue to mark a paper ballot that appears largely the same as previous paper ballots. They will then insert their ballot into a new touch screen scanner and wait for the image of an American flag to appear, signifying that the ballot has been accepted.
Voters in the village of Spring Lake will be asked if the village’s charter should be amended to allow the village to start the process of disbanding its local government.
The polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.
