Grant to bolster Shoshone County polling stations

WALLACE — New voting machines are hoped to bolster local election resources in Shoshone County thanks to a $15,752 grant award.

The county received the Help America Vote Act grant award in August 2023, but the grant letter came before the Shoshone County Board of County Commissioners Wednesday to begin the process to officially purchase four new ExpressVote polling machines for the stations in Pinehurst, Kellogg, Osburn and Wallace.

Shoshone County elections clerk Savanna Willer said the new machines would better match the population size across the county.

“We currently have express vote machines at every precinct, but these would be additional machines especially for the precincts with a higher number of registered voters. It’s just more access,” Willer said.

HAVA is part of a program to provide federal funds to states and territories to upgrade voting systems and Phil McGrane Idaho Secretary of State’s office received a $1 million in 2023 from the Election Assistance Commission for 2023 HAVA funds to distribute to the counties for up-to-date equipment.

The stipulation with the grant award is that Shoshone County has until December 2026 to spend the funds and purchase the voting equipment. The required subgrant match for the county is $788, before reimbursement.

The machines use a keypad function to cast their ballots before it is printed. Willer and District No. 1 Shoshone County Commissioner Tracy Casady both stressed that there is no internet being used for citizens to cast their votes.

“They work wonderfully,” Willer said. “I know some people are a little apprehensive about it, but it’s still a paper ballot, and voters can see what they’ve chosen printed on the paper. It’s especially handy for those who have difficulty holding a pen."

That is just one accessibility feature enabled by the voting machines. Larger print and ADA options for those with visual impairments are also available to make the voting process smoother.

“If they’re hard of seeing, there’s audio for them to listen to with headphones. It’s helpful,” Willer said. 

The voter inclusivity isn’t the only aspect that excites Casady. The bottom line for cost per election is also a selling point in streamlining the process.

“These machines are cost-effective and save the county money in not having to print as many paper ballots,” Casady said.

The BOCC will approve the purchase of the machines at a future meeting, but Willer hopes to potentially have the new machines ready to roll out in May.

Northern Idaho HAVA grant awards:

Kootenai County: $55,104

Shoshone County: $15,572