County Gearing Up For November Election

After a summer of single monthly meetings, Washington County Commissioners returned to their two meeting a month schedule. Thursday’s meeting was largely procedural, paying bills and authorizing contracts. One agenda item stood out. Commissioners approved a $42,260 payment to ES&S for technical support on voting equipment for the upcoming general election. Washington County Director of Elections Melanie Ostrander says that this is a procedure that takes place before every election. According to Ostrander, the Logic and Accuracy Testing of Voting Equipment is required by the state. It will last 17 days and every machine will be tested for voting accuracy, from the selection of vote, to the registration of the vote, the paper printout and scanner accuracy. The contract also calls for two technicians to be on standby for election day support.