Latest news with #Agilis
Chicago Tribune
08-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Cook County clerk trying out a ‘smart' ballot drop box for next election, expanding language access
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon unveiled a new 'smart' ballot drop box on Tuesday, stating she intends to use it for the March 2026 primary election and see if it can be implemented on a larger scale for future elections. The $15,000 tamper-proof drop box features a surveillance camera to record who drops off ballots, an electronic screen to confirm successful deposits and a scanner to record the outside envelopes of the ballots. Clerk officials described it as the first of its kind nationally. During the primary election, the new ballot box is expected to be located at the county's primary election site at 69 W. Washington St., according to a report from the clerk. The box's scanning feature is expected to save clerk employees from having to manually scan envelopes when they are received, while automatically updating the online status of ballots for voters. The envelopes are still transported and processed — taken out of the envelope where votes are scanned and counted — by clerk employees. The machine, according to the clerk's office, strengthens 'election security in response to rising concerns surrounding drop box tampering as reported in other American jurisdictions.' 'Some people … may think, 'Oh, it's my vote. I'm dropping this off. Is my vote really being counted? Is it being tallied? So this provides them some assurance in a secure way,' Gordon said at a Tuesday news conference. The prototype was built by Runbeck Election Services, which also manufactured the large-scale Agilis mail ballot sorting machine the clerk's office currently uses. At the clerk's request, Runbeck utilized the same technology that's used for the Agilis machine on the smart ballot drop boxes to help 'improve coordination and tracking using the integrated system,' said Sally Daly, a spokesperson for the clerk's office. The U.S. Postal Service tracks ballots sent to the clerk via traditional mail, according to Deputy Clerk of Elections Edmund Michalowski. However, drop-box deposits typically take a few days to be scanned and have their status updated online. Ballots dropped in a smart box can be tracked immediately, Michalowski said. 'The fact that we can reconcile an actual received ballot in one of our early voting sites sooner — it just will increase voter confidence,' Michalowski said. A 2025-26 Election and Voter Registration grant from the Illinois State Board of Elections is helping the clerk cover the cost of the machine. Gordon said the office hopes to install smart drop boxes across all 60 early voting locations in suburban Cook County, which would cost $900,000. The clerk's office advertised its new ballot box as being fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, although Michalowski acknowledged it needed to be adjusted to fit that description. Michalowski said the office was working on lowering the design of the ballot boxes for the final products. As part of a news conference marking the first six months of her full term, Gordon also announced the introduction of 11 'Pocketalk' boxes — small devices the size of a smartphone — at clerk offices that offer instant translation services in up to 89 languages. The devices, which cost $250 each, are available in the vital records, recording, real estate and tax division and elections divisions. Gordon, a former member of the Cook County Board, was appointed to fill the seat of the late Karen Yarbrough in April 2024 and was subsequently elected to a full term in November. The office manages birth, death and marriage certificates, suburban elections, legislation and proceedings of the county board and property transfer paperwork. Among the recommendations included in Gordon's final transition report are hiring other multilingual election judges to serve in areas with a substantial population that speaks the same language, 'removing bureaucratic red tape' for high school students who want to work as election judges and working with the National Association of Counties to advocate for reducing or eliminating federal income taxes for election workers who only work for one day. Also recommended are: Giving office walk-ins a virtual place in line to reduce wait times at clerk offices, exploring self-service kiosks at major offices and reviewing fees for purchasing vital records.
South Wales Guardian
15-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Shane Williams MBE to take part in Wales Air Ambulance event
On Sunday, September 7, Shane Williams MBE will take part in the 'Cycle 100km for the Wales Air Ambulance' fundraising event. The 2008 World Rugby Player of the Year has been showing his support for the all-Wales Charity following a partnership announcement last year with his sportswear brand, Agilis. Last year's event saw nearly 100 participants. (Image: Wales Air Ambulance) Shane said: 'I am very proud to say that myself and Agilis will be working in partnership with Wales Air Ambulance. 'Obviously, it's a fantastic Charity and cause, we've all seen the great work that they have done, how amazing they are and the difference they make to a lot of people's lives, so I am very proud to be associated with them on this adventure.' The ex-Welsh and British and Irish Lions rugby legend will cycle from Cardiff to the Charity's headquarters, in Dafen, Llanelli along with other participants. Like last year, after leaving Cardiff, cyclists will head towards Bridgend, pedal through Port Talbot and pass through Swansea before finishing their Cycle 100km. Despite the wet weather, last year's event saw nearly 100 participants, including some crew, saddle up whilst raising funds for the all-Wales Charity. It's the second mass-participation cycle event the Charity has hosted, and whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a first-time racer, the event is all about having fun, enjoying the scenic views and raising vital funds for the lifesaving charity. Cycle 100km is aimed at having fun, enjoying the scenic views and celebrating the local cycling community. Entry costs £100 per participant and includes a Wales Air Ambulance cycling jersey, which must be worn on the day of the event. Participants will have the chance to meet Shane and some of the crew, will receive a bespoke event medal and have support along the route at dedicated feed stations. Nina Rice, Head of Fundraising – High Value Partnerships for the Wales Air Ambulance, said: 'We are delighted to announce that after last year's success we Cycle 100km for Wales Air Ambulance event is back. 'Last year we were pleased with the turnout of our first mass-participant fundraiser for our lifesaving Charity. Fingers crossed the weather is a little kinder this year, but if not, it won't dampen our spirits. 'We really appreciate the support of everyone who took part last year and would be delighted if they entered again this year. 'This is a wonderful opportunity for cyclists, who would like to set themselves a challenge, to get together and achieve a personal goal, whilst raising funds for the charity.'
