First Time New Tabulators Have Been Purchased Since 2008
On Dec. 2, the Martin County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of new voting equipment for the Martin County Supervisor of Elections Office. The upgrade will replace the county’s DS200 ballot scanners with the newest poll place scanner and tabulator from Election Systems & Software (ES&S): the DS300.
This approval is far more than a routine equipment update; it marks the first time since 2008 that Supervisor of Elections Vicki Davis has requested budget authorization for new machines. Supervisor Davis, who took office in January 2005 after being elected in November 2004, has successfully overseen nearly two decades of elections without asking the Board for additional equipment funding.
What made this long-term stability possible was foresight. Years ago, Supervisor Davis recommended the creation of a dedicated reserve account specifically intended for future voting-equipment replacements. That reserve now allows the county to modernize its election technology without unexpected budget impacts.
The new DS300 scanners introduce faster performance, enhanced audit capabilities, and improved security features. The machines offer faster startup, quicker ballot scanning, and more efficient reporting—reducing wait times for voters and streamlining poll worker operations. The DS300 also features integrated ballot imprinting, allowing each ballot to be marked with a unique identifier as it is scanned to support risk-limiting audits. Updated security measures, tamper-resistant components, and improved ballot box design further strengthen the county’s election infrastructure.
These upgrades also align with Florida law, which allows counties to purchase voting systems only from state-certified vendors. Currently, the two primary certified vendors are ES&S and Dominion Voting Systems. Martin County has had a longstanding partnership with ES&S, first starting back in 2002, and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future, ensuring continuity, compliance, and reliability.
This historic approval highlights the Supervisor of Elections Office’s commitment to accuracy, security, and fiscal responsibility. By investing in modern equipment using funds that were set aside years in advance, the county reinforces public trust and prepares its election system for the future.
With the introduction of ES&S DS300 scanners, Martin County voters can expect an efficient, secure, and reliable voting experience—reflecting the dedication of an office focused on integrity and long-term planning. Don’t forget 2026 is an election year, so “Vote 2026! Your Vote Your Voice!”
Vicki Davis,
Martin County Supervisor of Elections
