The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Holly Wilde-Tillman
In 2024, Hancock County will see changes at Hancock County polling precincts.
Voters will be voting on the new DS200’s from Election Systems and Software (ES&S.)
In the Spring of 2023, Hancock County was informed that the M100 would no longer be serviced after 2025. The M100’s are the machines the voted ballot is placed in to be counted at the precinct. Hancock County had been utilizing the M100’s since 2005 from ES&S.
Hancock County Clerk, Holly Wilde-Tillman, had forecasted this might be possible to the board during budget prep the previous year.
The County Board began to make ready for the future by putting away $150,000 in a Capital Improvement fund to prepare for the cost of a new system in the coming years.
A new voting system was around $325,000 to accommodate our precincts at that time.
In April 2023, an opportunity became available from a county in Indiana reducing their precincts which would leave them with an excess of over 30 DS200’s. The DS200’s had only been used in one election and Hancock County was able to purchase the machines and tabulator for just over $180,000. With the $150,000 set aside and funds from the Clerk’s election budget, the county was able to purchase election equipment debt free.
The DS200 will provide an enhanced voting experience at each precinct for the voter and election official. With the latest Election Systems and Software patented technology the DS200 is fully certified and compliant with EAC guidelines.
They have both battery backup and thermal paper which means you never have to worry about power outages or printer ink.
Ballots can be accurately read with technology that accommodates ballots inserted at angles and accurately read voters selection to uphold voter intent.
The DS200’s will work in conjunction with the Automarks, handicap accessible machines, the county already possesses. This will give the County time to save money to update those in the future.
The voter will notice little difference when casting their ballot as they are very similar to what was being used. The screen is larger, to provide voters with instructions and immediate feedback on acceptance of ballot.
Hancock County has worked with Election Systems and Software for over 30 years.
ES&S believes nothing is more important than protecting America’s democracy through secure and accurate elections. They have a 3-part security philosophy, design, testing, and implementation. All products are designed without compromise. Their machines go through rigorous testing and are certified by the Federal Election Assistance Commission along with testing by independent, accredited laboratories.
The entire ES&S team is devoted to ensuring implementation during election cycles by helping election officials uphold laws of their state.
Wilde-Tillman has the DS200’s available in her office for anyone who would like to view them prior to voting. She will be visiting communities for voters to mock vote on the machines.
Look for the schedule of times in the "Notice" below.