The new Microvote Infinity voting machines have arrived in time to be used in the upcoming August 3 elections, the Cumberland County Election Commission announced this week.
The new machines were mandated and financed by the federal government in order to meet the HAVA (Help America Vote) act, Susanne Smith, Cumberland County administrator of elections explained.
This legislation requires that all voters have access to machines where they can vote totally unassisted if they so desire.
The election commission office has been demonstrating the new machines to local civic and community groups and has been very pleased with the reception of the change by those who have voted on the machines using a demonstration ballot.
"I am very pleased with how the public has received this change in machines and with their remarks about the ease of using them," said Smith.
Election Commission personnel will continue to demonstrate how to use the machines to any group interested.
Early voting for the Aug. 3 election begins on July 14 and all requests for demonstration of the machines will hinge on early voting response and availability of personnel.
Individuals wanting to see and practice vote on the machines may do so by stopping by the Election Commission office at 2 S. Main St., Suite 105 in the Milo Lemert Building, across from the courthouse, until early voting begins.
"The election commission was concerned about the changes of machines for the upcoming August elections, but after seeing how easy it is to vote on the machines and how the public has endorsed them, that concern has been eliminated," Smith said.
"They feel voter ease in operating these machines may even increase voter turnout this election cycle."
