Shelby County Commission approves $5M for new voting system

TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 22: Voting booths are setup at the Yuengling center on the campus of University of South Florida as workers prepare to open the doors to early voters on October 22, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. Florida voters head to the polls to cast their early ballots in the race for the Senate as well as the Governors seats. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

by: Associated Press

Posted: Jun 9, 2022 / 09:50 AM CDT

Updated: Jun 9, 2022 / 09:51 AM CDT

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Shelby County Commissioners have approved $5.8 million for a new voting system for the November general election.

County commissioners voted 9-4 on Monday to fund the new system that would replace aging machines and servers currently available.

Election Commissioner Linda Phillips said the new system will allow voters to choose between paper ballots marked by hand or updated digital touchscreen machines with a paper readout.

Some county commissioners and the election commission previously wanted a new system for the August primary, citing concerns about the current outdated system.