Teamwork and testing: Acton preps to ensure an accurate tally
Election security remains a third rail at the national level, but Acton leaders insist their systems — from in-person to mail-in — are solid.
Billy the Kid might be out of luck when it comes to actual voting.
This month, the Wild West gunslinger was one of a few unconventional write-ins on a stack of Acton test ballots.
Elections and Census Manager Justine Donovan spent several hours testing Acton’s voting machines on March 20. She fed samples into each system to ensure they caught errant marks or other issues.
Election security remains a third rail at the national level, but Acton leaders insist their system is solid — from in-person balloting to mail-in tallies.
“There are checks and balances for all of it,” Donovan told The Acton Bridge.
Supporters of the proposed federal SAVE America Act want new restrictions on mail-in voting and a suite of voter identification requirements in response to alleged irregularities.
Opponents say these claims lack evidence and worry new rules would hamper access. Critics say the proposed restrictions could lock some people out of the process.
“We have a secure system that we’ve honed over the last six years,” town moderator candidate Karlen Reed said.
A 47-step process
Reed helped establish Acton’s mail-in process with the Town Clerk’s office staff and a team of “Ballot World” workers during the Covid pandemic. She isn’t involved this year because of her candidacy.
The process expanded to 47 steps by the time Reed stepped back. These include checking that every ballot envelope is sealed before going into the mail to prevent tampering.
To those who still have questions, Donovan said she often invites people to volunteer and see the safeguards firsthand.
Ballot World workers filled out the test ballots that Donovan fed into election machines.
Officials had sent out 2,800 mail-in ballots as of March 16, Town Clerk Kaari Mai Tari said. Ballots were trickling back into the Town House, and a stream of in-person absentee voters headed to the clerk’s office counter as Donovan tested machines.
For those still voting by mail, Tari reminds Concordians to sign their envelope. Those who forget this step get their ballots rejected, and the clerk’s office must send another copy.
Election day do’s and don’ts
DO:
- Bring identification to the polls if you’re a first-time voter.
- Refer to a filled-out sample ballot if you wish.
- Contact the Town Clerk’s office with voting questions.
DON’T:
- Wear campaign-related clothing or carry signs within 150 feet of a polling place.
- Hinder or interfere with a voter entering a polling place.
- Take a photo of your completed ballot.
