City election commissioner office officials last week showed off the new voting machines that will be used in the November election.
The machines are manufactured by Nebraska-based ES&S.
The officials explained that voters will use a stylus to sign their names on a laptop when they check in at their polling place. The old binders will no longer be used.
Next, they will receive a paper ballot that they will insert into a feeder.
A screen will pop up, and voters will touch the name of the candidates of their choice, in English or Spanish. The names of write-in candidates can be typed in. Voters can view the screen in regular or large type. The screen can be white with black type or vice versa.
Next, they will press “Print Ballot” and will see their selections in a printout in a window. To complete the selections, they will press “Vote” and the paper will be scanned, tabulated and stored in a secure container with all other ballots.
The change to the new machine was made because the state now requires a paper ballot. Like the old machines, these ones will include a curtain.
In other news from the June 13 meeting:
• The 2nd Police District was represented by Lt. Ron Janka, community relations officer Mark Mroz and crime prevention officer Maureen Ciamaichelo. National Night Out will take place Aug. 6 at Fox Chase Recreation Center. There will be a leisurely bicycle ride at 5:30 p.m., followed by National Night Out activities at 6. Participants in the bike ride will be entered in a raffle for prizes.
• Burholme Community Town Watch and Civic Association will meet again on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. at Wesley Enhanced Living, 7040 Oxford Ave. ••
