Stephens County Tax Office closed August 13, 14 due to training on new election equipment

The Stephens County Tax Office will be closed on Thursday, August 13, and Friday, August 14 for training on new election equipment.

At the Monday, June 22 Stephens County Commissioners meeting, commissioners approved the purchase quote submitted for the election systems and software. The approval modernizes the county’s election security for the upcoming Presidential election.

The new software included a precinct scanner and an express vote ballot marking device. The county received the opportunity to take advantage of the “Help Make America Vote” grant and the various election security grants that are provided by the state/federal government. The grants were only available to the end of the year.

The grants would account for 80% of the total amount for the update and Stephens County paid 20% or $14,000 to update election security. The cost also includes training officials for proper use of the new system.

The updated machines will work in conjunction with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will assist those with disabilities vote in the upcoming election.

Stephens County officials are looking for the new election software to be in use for the upcoming 2020 Presidential election.