The Barton County Election Office will utilize 87 electronic voting machines throughout the county during the August 7th primary election. The machines were purchased in 2005 and first utilized in 2006. Barton County Election Officer Donna Zimmerman says the machines have worked well but also says those machines came with a 10-year shelf life.

Donna Zimmerman Audio

Replacing machines is not easy to do as they must be replaced all at once which carries a very hefty price tag. Zimmerman says that is why they will do their due diligence in finding the right voting system once a decision is made to replace the machines.

Donna Zimmerman Audio

Zimmerman reminds voters that next Tuesday July 17th is the deadline to register to vote in the Kansas Primary Election. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Friday August 3rd, with the absentee ballot deadline Tuesday August 7th. Early voting begins on July 31st and runs through August 6th at noon.