Owen County election board proofs primary ballots, sets machine test and work session

The Owen County Election Board met to proof primary ballots, confirm logistics for voting machines and absentee ballots, and plan follow-up reviews of campaign-finance filings.

At the meeting, Chair Tony Volker said the primary purpose was “for the ballot proofing,” and turned the review over to the elections clerk, Linda, who read candidate names and offices aloud for the board to verify. Linda told the board, “you've got your ballots there in front of you that that's got proof on it,” as members checked spellings, pronouncements and whether offices were listed correctly.

Board members raised a formatting question about a dividing line appearing between some candidates and whether it signified anything. Frank Coffin asked what the line meant and the board agreed Linda would confirm whether the line reflected the machine layout (e.g., “select 1” or “select 2”) before finalizing the printed copy.

Volker and Coffin signed the ballot-review form after the board voted to approve the copy as presented. The board also confirmed a machine-testing date of March 24 at 9:30 a.m. at the courthouse; Volker said the test must cover at least 5% of machines to be used in the election. The board discussed training for poll workers and candidates, noting typical training is held the week of the election on a Thursday evening and a Saturday morning session.

The clerk reported eight absentee ballot requests received so far; members agreed to use that number and historical turnout to estimate how many absentee ballots will be needed and to notify party chairs of the number of absentee ballot counters and couriers required. Linda confirmed the county will coordinate with the machine vendor to have machines programmed and ready for the test and training.

The board moved and unanimously approved the minutes and the ballot-review paperwork, and it adjourned after setting next steps.