Published: August 04, 2009 10:04 pm      

Election commission to move voting machines to main office

Commission to ask for use of old library building

The Cumberland County Election Commission appointed a new machine technician Tuesday evening and in a 3-2 vote decided to move all of its voting machines from the Community Complex to its office on Main St.

Dale Schweitzer was appointed unanimously as the Republican replacement for technician Everette Bolin who resigned in April this year. Bolin resigned when former administrator of elections Suzanne Smith was removed from her position and Sharon York was hired as her replacement.

The current Democrat machine technician is Kyle Thurman.

Election Commission Chairman Calvin Smart recommended the voting machines be moved from the Community Complex to the election commission's office for a "more secure" location.

Smart reported that after inventory was taken on the equipment it revealed that one machine was missing, three card readers were missing and 12 tally cards were missing.

Election Commission Secretary Lisa Phillips suggested the missing machine was probably one of the machines which was rented and may have been returned. Phillips then said she didn't feel moving all the equipment was necessary and it would be complicated storing all of it at the office — especially when it came time to move the machines again at election time.

"I feel they need to be here in a secure location. They are not in a secure location over there," Smart said.

Commissioner Thomas Henderson motioned to move the machines and equipment and it was supported by Denver Cole and Smart. Commissioners Phillips and Bob Austin voted against moving the machines.

Phillips then told the commissioners the county had intentions of letting the election commission move into the old library building once the new library was opened.

"We had a chance of getting that building, but I don't think that's necessarily the case now. Well, not since April, anyway," Phillips said.

"I had no knowledge of that," Smart said.

Smart recommended the commission check into being able to use the library building after the new library is opened.

The Cumberland County Commission has taken no action on the future of the old Art Circle Library building. The county has been approached by several groups expressing interest in using the facility.

"I don't think we have much of a chance of it now," Philips said.

"I think we need to check into it and move these machines as soon as possible," Smart said.