$18,000 for remote voting devices donated to Rochester
The Town of Rochester received remote voting devices from an donor. Image source: Town of Rochester Facebook
File photo.
The Town of Rochester received remote voting devices from an donor. Image source: Town of Rochester Facebook
File photo.
ROCHESTER — Town officials were mystified when a box of 400 white, rectangular devices appeared at Town Hall.
Upon discovering they were remote voting devices, Town Administrator Cameron Durant and Town Clerk Margie Barrows called the company that makes them, Meridian, and realized an anonymous donor gifted Rochester $18,000 worth of technology for use at Town Meeting.
Durant said Rochester was among three towns to receive the Meridian devices during a Thursday, April 16 Select Board meeting.
“This is one of the top three companies for voting devices,” Durant said.
The devices operate on radio frequency that sends a signal to a receiver. The receiver is then connected to a computer with software to count the number of votes.
The devices are not connected to the internet, and do not use WiFi or bluetooth.
Residents will be able to vote from their seats completely anonymously, instead of the traditional method of raising a ballot slip.
Sean McPeak, a Meridia operations manager, said votes are not individually tracked or attributed to the specific voter.
He said the system offers users speed and accuracy, as it eliminates the need to count card or ballot votes.
Another benefit is privacy.
“I think the ability for it to be anonymous is the same benefits that anonymous voting has across America and the world,” McPeak said. “It's where people are able to keep their opinion private and just simply vote the way they feel.”
If a recount is needed, the system can compare voters’ first and second responses to the same ballot question.
All software and licensing was included in the donation, and all devices bear the Rochester town logo.
Durant said Meridian representatives will be at Town Meeting for four hours to assist with implementation.
“I think it's beautiful that there was someone with such generosity in their heart for the town of Rochester,” Durant said.
Select Board member Bill Morse said the remote devices will make larger votes easier to count.
Durant said the devices may make residents feel more comfortable to vote how they want with more privacy, which may increase participation.
“I think this is an excellent thing.The town moderator is aware and appreciative,” Durant said.
The other two towns who received the remote devices donation were not disclosed.
