FORT WAYNE, Indiana – An early‑voting machine at a satellite site in Allen County experienced a paper jam that temporarily affected the state‑mandated audit display. Election Director Amy Scrogham explained that the jam showed the selections of a prior voter on the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) screen, but the voting panel itself recorded the current voter’s choices as intended.
What happened
During the early‑voting period at Christ’s Community Church, a voter reported that the VVPAT window displayed a different set of selections than those they had made. Scrogham confirmed that the paper jam caused the audit device to retain a previous printout, creating the visual discrepancy. The voting panel – the electronic interface that registers each voter’s selections when the red “Cast Vote” button is pressed – continued to function correctly.
How votes are recorded
According to Scrogham, once a voter presses the red button, the selections are stored on the voting panel. After polls close, those votes are transferred to a tally card, which is then uploaded into the Election Management System for official counting. The VVPAT device is a separate, state‑required tool used only for post‑election audits; it does not affect the actual vote count.
Response and next steps
Election mechanics discovered the jam, cleared the paper obstruction, and verified that the voting panel had captured the correct choices. The Allen County Election Board is now working with its equipment vendor to identify preventative measures for future incidents. Scrogham added that poll workers will receive additional instructions to check the VVPAT window for clarity before each voter uses the machine.
Impact on early‑voting period
The incident occurred as Allen County voters continue to cast ballots in the early‑voting window ahead of the November 2026 general election. Officials emphasized that the paper jam did not alter any vote totals and that the audit display issue has been resolved. Voters are encouraged to continue using early‑voting locations, with the assurance that their selections are being recorded accurately.
Community reassurance
Local election officials stressed transparency throughout the process, noting that the VVPAT system provides an additional layer of verification for auditors without influencing the official tally. By addressing the paper jam promptly and communicating the findings, the board aims to maintain confidence in the integrity of the county’s voting equipment.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
