‘Gonna be a close race’: Machine tests underway to ensure every ballot counts

CLAY COUNTY, Mo. (KCTV) - As early voting continues, systems are in place to make sure each vote counts.

Pre-logic and accuracy testing is done before every election. It’s a bi-partisan process where teams put each ballot in a tabulator and make sure each ballot is counted. This helps to streamline the process for voters on Election Day.

“We want a smooth process for you the voter because even though this is what we do every day, it’s not what you do every day. You go and vote,” said Clay County Election Board director Heather Hall, “You have another life, another job and other family commitments. You don’t need a hiccup when you go to the polls on Election Day and we make sure that’s a streamlined process for you.”

Voters at the Clay County Election Board office on Wednesday said they’re getting an early start at the polls to skip the long wait on Election Day.

“It’s gonna be a close race, that’s why we didn’t wanna wait in line and get it done with,” said voter Gloria Rosborough.

Behind each vote is a voice and a vision for what the next four years could look like.

“This country is in a lot of hurt right now and I think we need to do some healing and I think the only way we could all do that is come together and vote,” said voter Cathleen Gwin.

Behind the curtains at the polls is where people are at work to make sure everything runs smoothly. Teams of two people representing both Democratic and Republican parties are involved in the testing process.

“We don’t get to foretell what you’re gonna vote for but we can definitely tell you that when you do vote your ballot’s gonna be counted accurately,” said Hall.

For some young voters, they are exercising this right for the very first time.

“It feels awesome. It’s my responsibility as a U.S. Citizen, so I’m very excited about that,” said voter Ava Kirkpatrick.

The election board wants voters to go into Election Day with one less stress to worry about.

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It went quickly. We have a lot of nice people volunteering in there, I thanked them for their service and it went smooth,” said voter Samuel McKinney.

According to the Clay County Election Board, there were at least 3,685 voters on Wednesday. A total of more than 180,000 people are ed to vote in the county.

No-Excuse early voting ends November 4 and the polls are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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