Michigan Law Enforcement is looking into the sale of a voting machine on eBay.
The voter assist terminal is designed to help voters privately cast their ballots. The design of the machine was made to be friendly for the elderly and disabled.
“We are actively working with law enforcement to investigate allegations of an illegal attempt to sell a voter assist terminal acquired in Michigan,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in a statement on Sept. 1.
She made it clear that this particular machine was not used to count ballots.
“While our elections remain secure and safe, we take seriously all violations of election law and will be working with relevant authorities to ensure there are consequences for those who break the law,” said Benson.
Reports claim that the machine had been dropped off at a Goodwill in Cadillac, Michigan. Ean Hutchison of Ohio purchased the machine from Goodwill Industries for $8. He then listed it on eBay, with the message “Own a piece of history!” in the description.
“I have a knack for finding hidden gems really cheap and turning a quick profit,” Hutchison said in an interview with CNN. “I wasn’t even aware that they were supposed to be sold, let alone donated to Goodwill.”
“The sale of voting machines and related equipment is prohibited under eBay’s government items policy,” an eBay spokesperson told the network. “We will cooperate with law enforcement in their investigation.”
The device was purchased for $1,200 by a cybersecurity expert, Harri Hursti, in Connecticut. After the sale, Hursti contacted the authorities. He was told not to open the box.
The machine originally came from Colfax, Michigan. County Clerk Alaina Nyman says that an investigation into the situation is ongoing.
“The county is working diligently with the Michigan State Police to ensure this matter is handled accordingly,” Nyman told local Cadillac News.
“No election data was on it and you can’t get into the machine without the program cards and those were all accounted for,” she continued.
UPI reports that “Michigan, which is typically considered a battleground state in state and federal elections, has been investigating possible unlawful conduct with regard to illegal access to voting machines.”
Law Enforcement does believe the machine was stolen prior to the state primaries on Aug. 2.
