Marion County Clerk Bill Burgess told local officials on Thursday that his office needs a larger workspace, updated equipment and a modern ballot‑counting system to keep pace with a steadily growing and increasingly engaged electorate.
Current election still pending
As of Nov. 12, the county’s local races—including two seats on the Marion County Board of Commissioners—remain undecided while ballots continue to be tallied. The delay follows a breakdown of the county’s ballot‑sorting machine on election night, which halted processing for several hours.
Why space and technology matter
Clerk Burgess explained that the existing office was designed for a much smaller volume of work. “We simply don’t have the room to store the growing number of ballots, nor the capacity to house newer, faster machines,” he said. He added that an upgraded system would not only speed up counting but also improve accuracy, reducing the chance of human error.
Request to county officials
The clerk’s office has submitted a formal request to the county commission for additional square footage and funding to purchase a next‑generation ballot‑sorting device. Burgess emphasized that investing now will prevent future bottlenecks and ensure that voters receive timely results, a cornerstone of public confidence in the electoral process.
Community impact
Local residents have expressed frustration at the delay, but many also recognize the importance of a reliable count. “We want our votes counted quickly and correctly,” said longtime voter Maria Lopez. “If the clerk needs more space and better tools, that’s a reasonable request.”
Looking ahead
While the current race outcomes are still pending, the clerk’s appeal underscores a broader trend: as voter participation rises, county election infrastructure must evolve. Burgess urged the commission to act swiftly, noting that the next election cycle will likely see even higher turnout.
County commissioners are expected to review the request at their upcoming meeting. If approved, the upgrades could be in place before the next primary, positioning Marion County to handle future elections with greater efficiency and transparency.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
