Canton received seven new tabulators for voting, as part of the Secretary of the State’s program to update (sometimes) decades-old voting technology. The new tabulator scans and stores the paper ballot that the voter feeds into the device, thereby casting their vote. The tabulator totals the results for each race on the ballot.

While there are changes in appearance of the device and how they are maintained by Election Officials (e.g., battery charging), voters will notice little change.  Voters will still insert their ballot into the ballot box opening. The scanner feature of the new tabulator takes a second longer to read the ballot, therefore, voters may want to pause a second or two after casting their vote to ensure the ballot was scanned. 

One notable change to the tabulator is the LCD display screen.  This feature is most useful to voters if there is an issue with a ballot.  The screen will ask the voter, if the ballot is completely blank, about the disposition of the ballot. The screen will ask if leaving the ballot blank was intentional or if the voter wants to mark the ballot.  Another error could be voting for more than one candidate for the same office. The tabulator screen will ask if this was intentional or if the voter wishes to correct the error. 

The new tabulators will require the use of black ink ballpoint pens ONLY (no more felt-tip pens or Sharpies). The Registrars of Voters will always have an ample supply of black ink ballpoint pens stocked in each voting booth.

Canton voters will be using the new tabulator(s) commencing with the upcoming MAY 8, 2025 Budget Referendum.  The Registrars of Voters will be there, along with other Election Officials, to assist all voters in using the new tabulator device.