| Delays in programming the new touch-screen voting machines may force several counties to use paper ballots when early voting begins next week - April 19.
There are major time line problems in up to 34 WV counties rolling-over to all-computerized voting.
Calhoun clerk Richard Kirby said Calhoun may be closer than most other regional counties to move forward with the process, but said for the most part "We're at the mercy of others."
"Hopefully, the electronic ballot problem will be cleared-up," Kirby said.
The public testing of the computers with their ballots was scheduled yesterday by the Calhoun Commission. It will be done later.
Secretary of State Betty Ireland, an advocate for the new system, is blaming ES&S, the company that sold the i-Votronic machines, and has told county clerks they may have to use paper ballots for early voting they purchased for mail-in absentee voters.
Despite the problems, Ireland has told county clerks they are still responsible to make it work. Ireland said she is dismayed by the situation.
During Monday's commission meeting:
- Dick Wittberg, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department discussed possible cut-backs at the local department in Grantsville
- The commission designated the county courthouse as an official disaster shelter
- Opened and approved a single-bid for a new computer system for the county clerk's office
- Approved $500 for FRN to be used for children's car restraints
- Approved road name Hickman Lane off Cherry Fork
- Approved auto storage bill to Furr's Auto, with the business offering to donate most of payment to a county project
- Discussed lease arrangement to provide space to the Family Court
- Discussed helping Sheriff to trade old vehicles, checking legality
- Processed grant money
The commission will meet April 18 to "lay the levy" at 9 a.m., a formality
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