Concerns Arise Over Voting Machine Issues in Memphis
Memphis, Tenn. – On Thursday evening, members of the Shelby County Legislative Democratic Caucus gathered for an emergency press conference to discuss troubling reports from voters experiencing issues with voting machines at various polling locations. This news comes during the second day of early voting in Tennessee, and many citizens across Shelby County are understandably concerned.
Voters Speak Out
During the conference, Caucus Chairman and State Representative G.A. Hardaway shared that numerous voters have reached out to express their frustration. Reportedly, some individuals found that when they selected their preferred candidate on the voting machine, the machine defaulted to another candidate instead. State Representative Antonio Parkinson added to the conversation, stating, “You should be able to cast that vote as such… it sounds like a calibration issue to me.” This sentiment echoed the fears of many who felt their voices were not being accurately heard.
Election Officials Respond
In response to the concerns raised, Shelby County Election Administrator Linda Phillips provided a statement insisting that the voting process is expected to be smooth and transparent. According to Phillips, “To date, no voting irregularities have been identified.” She reminded voters to carefully review their ballots before finalizing their choices, emphasizing that poll workers are available at each precinct to provide assistance.
Confirming the Challenges
During the conference, county election commissioner Venecia Kimbrow confirmed that issues with voting machines have indeed been reported. However, she reassured the public that these problems are not the result of any malicious intent. Kimbrow stated, “Preliminary information suggests that the defaulting is caused by user error,” indicating that voters may not be fully aware of how to properly use the machines.
Of the 26 early voting precincts, Kimbrow reported that 10 to 12 have experienced some machine issues, with at least one issue reported per precinct. Unfortunately, many voters voiced their concerns after leaving the polling places instead of notifying an on-site election supervisor, adding confusion to the situation.
Understanding the Machines
As of now, over 23,000 ballots have been cast in Shelby County. Kimbrow clarified that the voting machines had been calibrated and tested before the election, noting they are standalone devices that do not emit or receive signals, making them resistant to tampering. She urged voters to touch the candidate’s name directly instead of merely clicking the checkbox, as the heat from fingers, long nails, and scrolling could inadvertently lead to incorrect selections.
Presidential elections often draw greater interest, prompting election officials to increase staffing. Kimbrow noted that many of the additional staff may be new and could lack the training necessary to assist voters effectively. To help mitigate these issues, all voting machines come with a designated stylus, which Kimbrow encourages voters to use. She acknowledged that some election personnel might have overlooked mentioning the availability of these styluses, and a mass email was sent to election supervisors reminding them of their importance.
Voter Awareness and Education
Kimbrow emphasized that it’s vital for voters to review their ballots carefully before submission. She reminded voters that they can ask supervisors for assistance at any point during the voting process, stating, “Your problem should be resolved on the spot… You do what’s necessary to have your voice heard.”
The Shelby County Election Commission invested a substantial $6 million in new voting machines in 2022, hoping to improve the voting experience for all citizens. Kimbrow mentioned that for those who wish to prepare before voting, tutorial videos on how to operate the new machines are available on the commission’s social media channels.
Final Thoughts
As Shelby County citizens prepare to make their voices heard in this election, it’s crucial that they feel confident in the voting process. Kimbrow’s reminder to “make sure everything is working as it should” resonates as voters plan their visits to polling places. For those still uncertain, paper ballots remain an option.
