The Dougherty County Voter Registration and Elections office will hold an informational session and demonstration of the new voting equipment on Thursday, February 6, 2020, beginning at 6 p.m. in Room 100 of the Government Center, 222 Pine Avenue, Albany, Georgia. The event is open to the public.

In preparation of the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary Election, citizens are encouraged to attend the session to familiarize themselves and have the opportunity for a hands-on experience with the new voting equipment. With the transition, voters will no longer complete paper voter certificates on Election Day. Instead, voters will review their information on a Poll Pad and sign the screen of the pad, which will serve as their voter certificate. For the first time, voters will be able to review their selections on a printed paper ballot before submitting it for tabulation.

“The new paper ballot system allows Georgia to audit its elections to ensure accuracy,” said Ginger Nickerson, Dougherty County Elections Supervisor.

The new system was pioneered by Georgia Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, to provide a more secure and cost-effective voting system for Georgia. Raffensperger has also partnered with non-partisan organizations, such as the Center for Election Innovation and Research and VotingWorks, to ensure Georgia has the most secure elections possible. In addition, there is a partnership with the Georgia Cyber Center, a national leader in cybersecurity, to ensure Georgia remains on the cutting edge for election security infrastructure.

During the informational session, visitors will also have the opportunity to obtain information on becoming a poll worker for Dougherty County. Information will be available for those who would like to participate or citizens can email [email protected] for more information.

“We are in need of dedicated individuals who enjoy working with people to serve as poll workers,”
said Nickerson.