Broome voting machines upgrade: What to know ahead of April 2 primary

Kalyn Grant , Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin
·2 min read

Voters in the upcoming presidential primary election in April will see a new system at work when casting their ballot in Broome County.

Broome County Board of Elections has partnered with Clear Ballot Group Inc. to replace its voting machines and election management system for the first time since 2008.

The new system will feature enhanced security and upgraded scanning technology, using the ClearCast Go system for ballot scanning and ADA compliant ClearMark system for accessible voting.

Broome County Board of Elections is introducing new ballot machines and scanners in 2024.
Broome County Board of Elections is introducing new ballot machines and scanners in 2024.

Broome County has ordered 250 voting systems — 105 ADA compliant machines and 145 scanners — offering voters bigger display screens and advanced technology with the ability to inform voters of errors.

The $1.75 million capital project was voted on in 2023 during the legislative session and the county is currenting in the process of decommissioning its old machines. Every polling site in the county will have at least one of the new ADA machines and scanners.

The presidential primary election is April 2 in New York. Early voting will be held March 23-30.

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How new ballot machines improve accessibility

With the new ballot machines, Broome County leaders believe the voting process will be made easier for local residents, with the ADA compliant machines offering additional accessibility functions including:

  • Adjustable screen positions

  • Headphones

  • Remote with volume controls, arrow controls, play/pause audio button and help button

  • Large display screen

  • Braille on remote control

Security features of Broome's new ballot machines

"Clear Ballot has a proven track record," said Broome County Board of Elections Republican Commissioner Mark E. Smith, "and we are excited to enter this next phase in our partnership by utilizing their new, secure voting systems to continue conducting fair and transparent elections for local residents."

Upgraded security features include locked machines with tamper-resistant seals upon delivery. Poll inspectors and technicians will check machines before the first vote to ensure a zero report, and flash drives will be reprogrammed and scrubbed in office prior to each election.

The results drive, paper results tapes, and the paper ballots are retained in a locked compartment for auditing purposes.

“This is really going to be a landmark achievement," Broome County Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner Dan D. Reynolds said of the new machines, "and voters ultimately are going to benefit from our work.”

For more information regarding voting locations and hours, visit broomevotes.com

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Broome voters will use new machines in 2024 elections: What to know