The Knox County Board of Elections is promoting its Voter Onsite Tech Emergency Response (V.O.T.E.R.) van as an affordable resource designed to maintain secure and uninterrupted voting operations during election day emergencies.
Director Jim Blazer presented the V.O.T.E.R. van at the Ohio Secretary of State’s Annual Conference of Election Officials in Mount Vernon on June 8. Borrowed from the Knox County Veterans Services Board, the Freightliner vehicle was first deployed during the May primary to address equipment issues and is now available for election use and training.
Jim Blazer, Director, Knox County Board of Elections | Provided
Officials said the van’s design allows them to restore precinct operations while maintaining security quickly, the chain of custody, and voter access. That adaptability was evident during the May primary when the van was dispatched to inspect and reseal a DS200 scanner, allowing voting to continue without delay.
"A special thank you to Knox County Veterans Services and their willingness to share resources to ensure voting can continue on election day," the Knox County Board of Elections stated.
The initiative was designed to ensure continuity of voting operations through local collaboration and resourceful planning.
“The project demonstrates how local partnerships and practical planning can strengthen election administration,” according to the press release.
Board officials noted that the program has required minimal investment. To date, the Board of Elections has spent less than $1,000, primarily for removable magnets and deployment materials, while refining readiness protocols through walkthroughs, test runs, and real‑world experience. Equipped with onboard power, workspace, and storage, the van offers a practical solution for counties seeking emergency preparedness without major spending.
Conference attendees were able to tour the van outside the meeting area, where Knox County staff explained its development and answered questions.
The model is designed to be adaptable for other counties, offering a scalable approach to election resilience. By leveraging community resources, the initiative shows how election officials can safeguard voter access while keeping costs low. The project’s success during the May primary encouraged officials to refine procedures and share lessons with peers across Ohio.
"We shared this idea with Boards of Elections from each of Ohio's 88 counties and the collaboration and sharing of ideas at these conferences is invaluable," the Knox County Board of Elections said.
