Otter Tail County Board Approves New Voting Systems to Enhance Election Security
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners in Minnesota has consistently approved new voting systems to replace older equipment, prioritizing election security and reliability. This ongoing effort reflects a broader trend in the state to modernize election technology. In 2024, the county purchased 82 Express Vote Universal Voting System units. This express system utilizes touch-screen technology and generates a paper-based record for tabulation, which enhances accuracy by eliminating marginal marks and the need for voter mark interpretation. The decision to acquire this new equipment followed a recommendation from former Otter Tail County Auditor-Treasurer Wayne Stein. With 91 precincts in Otter Tail County, the replacement of outdated voting equipment is deemed essential by county commissioners. In previous years, replacements included tabulators, assistive voting devices, and poll books. The Minnesota State Legislature established a Voting Equipment Grant account totaling $7 million in 2017 to support ...
