Hand count — Ertman proposes single-precinct hand count pilot
A proposal by Commissioner Marty Ertman to test hand-counting ballots in a single Weston County precinct is prompting further discussion about the county’s election process, with commissioners opting to delay a decision while they gather more information.
The idea surfaced on April 7 during consideration of a resolution setting voting precincts for the upcoming elections, when Ertman questioned whether approving the measure would effectively lock the county into continued use of machine tabulation.
“I would think that you could take one of these precincts and do a hand count,” Ertman said, suggesting the county conduct a limited trial rather than a full transition.
Ertman said she is not prepared to eliminate machines across all precincts but believes a pilot program could help the county evaluate whether hand counting is practical. She said she would be uncomfortable implementing hand counting county wide but would like to see a trial run on a smaller basis.
Ertman described the proposal as a way to “learn something” before making broader policy decisions.
The suggestion raised several logistical questions from other commissioners, including how ballots would be separated, whether a hand count could be compared with machine results and what additional costs might be involved.
Commissioners noted that once ballots are processed through tabulation machines, they cannot be removed for hand counting, making direct comparison difficult unless a process is established in advance. Others expressed concern about adding expenses when the county has already invested in voting equipment.
“I guess I have to look into it and determine how we’re going to separate it,” Ertman said, acknowledging the need for further research.
The board ultimately chose not to approve the precinct resolution, agreeing instead to revisit the issue at a future meeting.
As part of that continued discussion, commissioners are expected to hear a presentation from the Weston County Republican Party, which has requested time on the April 21 agenda.
The group has submitted a resolution urging broader adoption of hand counting in county elections, arguing that the practice would improve transparency and confidence in election results.
While that proposal calls for more sweeping changes, Ertman’s approach remains focused on a single-precinct trial to evaluate feasibility before considering any county wide shift.
The upcoming presentation is expected to provide additional information on costs, logistics and implementation options as commissioners continue weighing how elections should be conducted in Weston County.