New Voting Machines Could Be Coming To Battle Creek

The city of Battle Creek could be getting new voting machines very soon.

According to the Battle Creek City Commission Agenda, a resolution will be introduced at their meeting Tuesday, June 20, that would authorize the City Manager Rebecca Fleury to move forward with a state Grant Agreement for the machines, per the Help America Vote Act.

The HAVA helps counties, including Calhoun County, coordinate with local jurisdictions to develop a county-wide plan to replace voting systems, and federal grant money will help towards the purchase as well. The City says that for Battle Creek, the upfront cost for the new machines will be around $9500, with an annual maintenance cost of almost $15,000 for years 6 through 10 of the program.

If this resolution passes, the City hopes to be able to implement the new machines for elections this year.