Amid online rumors that voting machines could be changing a person’s vote, Scurry County Clerk Melody Appleton said she is confident the county’s machines are working properly.
Appleton said she has tested the machines and assisted people during the first three days of early voting for the Nov. 8 general election. None of the tests have shown signs of vote-switching.
While rumors have circulated about other counties in the state having issues with machines changing a person’s selection, Appleton said the rumors appear to be predominantly false.
According to snopes.com, a site that debunks online myths and rumors, there has been little evidence to support claims that machines have changed which party or candidate a person selected.
“My understanding is those stories are not true,” Appleton said. “And to my knowledge, all our machines are working fine. I have had no one personally complain to me about it changing their choice.”
The more likely explanation, Appleton said, is human error in regards to the use of the touch screen pens at the electronic machines.
Appleton said she has seen examples of voters not holding the pen upright and resting their hands on the screen, causing the machine to pick up the touch of the hand. She said it is important for voters to review their selections before submitting them.
“It possibly could change your vote if you don’t have the pen upright and rest your hand on the screen,” Appleton said. “Please, please review at the end to make sure it’s what you wanted. If someone does think their vote was changed, all they have to do is ask one of the volunteers for help before they hit submit. If it was voter error, we can change it. If it’s something with the machine, we’ll have to look at that.”
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