Secretary of State proposes plan to upgrade ballot equipment

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen proposed plans Wednesday to upgrade ballot counting equipment in Nebraska.

Nebraska’s ballot counting equipment was purchased in 2005 with Federal Help America Vote Act funds.

The machines have been used in Nebraska for more than 13 years.

While accurate and secure, parts are becoming scarce, Evnen said in a news release, and technologically superior vote tabulators are now available.

Funds for replacement equipment statewide were requested in the Secretary of State’s budget submission. 

The Secretary’s budget request received a top priority recommendation from the Nebraska Information Technology Commission. 

The Governor included funds for this project in his biennium budget released last week.

If approved by the legislature, new equipment will be delivered to all 93 counties, and training will be provided for all 93 county election officials, prior to the May 12, 2020, statewide primary election.

The new ballot counting equipment will adhered to Nebraska’s standard of voting by use of a paper ballot.

“Nebraska’s elections are secure, reliable and accurate,” Evnen said. “This is one of the steps that we are taking to ensure that our elections remain that way.”