McDowell Encourages Residents to Attend Electronic Voting Machine Demonstration

Residents of McDowell County will soon have a chance to test the county's new electronic voting machines.

The Welch Area Chamber of Commerce will host a public demonstration of the new electronic voting machines on Friday, Aug. 18, at noon, in the Herzburn Room of the McDowell County Public Library in Welch.

The electronic machines will be utilized by voters in the November General Election. Residents are encouraged to attend the public demonstration session, County Clerk Don Hicks said.

“This is what the future holds,” Hicks said. “This is in compliance with the Help American's Vote Act. It is required. We will have a test ballot there. There will be able to see how the machine is used, and test vote on it.”

Hicks said a second demonstration also is on display for public test voting at the courthouse in Welch.

The county clerk's office also will hold public demonstration sessions for any interested civic groups in the county.

“The same thing we are doing (on Aug. 18) is open to any and all civic groups,” Hicks said. “Anyone that wants a demonstration – we will be more than willing to oblige them with a date and time.”

In conjunction with the demonstration session on Aug. 18, a light luncheon will be available.

Hicks, and members of his staff, will provide the hands on tutoring session. The event is open to the public.

-Charles Owens (Bluefield Telegraph)