What's New in Elections
Voting Technology
After an extensive research effort, Chelan County has selected the Hart Voting System to meet the voting system requirements of the 2002 federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA). This law also appropriated funds to assist with the purchase of new systems.
Beginning with the September Primary Election, the Hart Voting System will replace our 10 year-old optical scan system. The new voting system has two components: Paper ballots for vote-by-mail and the eSlate for accessible voting. Everyone will receive a ballot by mail and those choosing so, can stop by the Courthouse to use the accessible eSlate.
Our system is secure. From the generation of the ballot by our office to the tabulation of votes at our centralized counting center, security measures are in place to ensure no unauthorized individual has access to the system. Neither the vote tabulation program nor any other component of the Hart Voting System is ever connected to the Internet or an external network.
Our system is accurate. The Hart Voting System’s eSlate uses a state-of-the-art optical encoder, called the SELECT wheel, to navigate through the ballot. This technology provides 100% positional accuracy at all times. The paper ballot is scanned using digital technology that captures a full picture of each ballot, making it easier to determine voter intent in case of a mis-mark.
Our system is accessible. The eSlate meets all federal accessibility requirements, so now people with disabilities, including those who are blind, mobility impaired, or have limited-upper body dexterity or strength can vote privately and independently, a fact many of us take for granted.
Our system is easy to use. Whether voting on a paper ballot or on the accessible eSlate, a review of the system on our website will show how simple each is to use.
As always, if you have questions about the new system, please call us at 509-667-6808.