By Rupert Howell
In a 3-1 vote Panola supervisors approved the purchase of computer tablets for poll workers to use when checking eligibility of those entering polling places come election day.

Supervisors met Wednesday, June 24 in a recess meeting and approved the recommendation of Panola County’s election commission despite the objection of officials of the county’s Democratic party.

District Two supervisor Vernice Avant was the dissenting vote. James Birge who serves District One as supervisor was not present.

During a June 8 supervisor meeting Lorine Robinson, who chairs the local Democratic Executive Committee, told supervisors that poll workers were not ready for the the tablets or “pollbook devices,” stating, “Right now, we’re not ready. I’m not saying we won’t be ready in years to come. I’m not against moving forward,” she said at the June 8 meeting noting that the August Primary did not give enough time for training.

Supervisors did vote to purchase more material carriers for poll workers at the request of the Democrat committee members during the Wednesday meeting, according to Chancery Clerk Jim Pitcock whose duties include serving as secretary of the supervisor board.

Election commissioner Kaye Smythe, who was not at last Wednesday’s meeting but did attend the June 8 meeting, noted the electronic devices will allow poll workers to check photo IDs against the correct polling place for that individual as each will contain the entire county’s voting roll.

Those who may be at the wrong precinct will instantly be alerted to the correct polling place along with directions to that location, she stated last Friday.

Smythe also suggested that anyone who has questions about their polling location should contact www.sos.ms.gov./polling place and enter their home and address to receive their proper polling location and address as well as a map, driving directions and a sample ballot for their particular precinct.

The election commissioner warned that persons whose address with the Circuit Clerk is listed in the old rural route format may have to vote affidavit. She also stated that if a person has moved in the past few years and hasn’t changed their address with the Circuit Clerk’s office, he or she may have been moved to the inactive voter roll and also may have to vote affidavit.

Likewise, those who have jury summons returned or whose voter registration update was undeliverable will have to vote affidavit or their vote will not count if  found to be in the wrong precinct.

“If the voter’s name is not in the poll book or if the voter has no photo ID to present, then the voter may vote by affidavit ballot,” according to Smythe who added, “No voter will be denied the right to vote.”