News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The White County Election Commission received a $34,000 grant from the Tennessee Secretary of State to purchase voting equipment.
White County Administrator of Elections Sherry Anderson said the grant funding will be used to purchase ballot scanners and print-on-demand equipment. Anderson said she is ecstatic to be able to purchase additional equipment.
“This is equipment that we already use,” Anderson said. “This is just additional equipment to speed things up to make the lines not as long. Hopefully, we will be putting the scanners if we receive them at the larger precincts.”
Anderson said having two scanners will improve the voting process for all future elections in the county. Anderson said the contract is still pending a few signatures but she expects to receive the equipment before the November election.
“Once that grant is signed we will turn around and order the equipment;” Anderson said. “If it is in stock we should have it here by the November 5th date.”
Anderson said the additional equipment will address the most common complaint amongst voters which is standing in line.
“I think everybody that comes to vote enjoys voting but they don’t enjoy staying in line,” Anderson said. “I can’t blame them for that, but we do appreciate their patience. Hopefully, this will just help them be able to get on with their day a little bit more smoothly and a little bit faster.”
Anderson said if the equipment does not arrive before the election they would not have any problems handling election day thanks to volunteers.
