Kentwood company makes elections happen

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) - On Nov. 6, Americans will head to the polls to choose a president. Some will be using election machines manufactured in Kent County.

Election Source in Kentwood has its equipment helping county clerks in five states, including several important toss-up states: Iowa, Virginia and Michigan.

Election Source says it wants people to hear about them now, and not after the election.

"You definitely don't want to see you coming to interview us," said Norma Townsend of Election Source.

When it's all quiet after the election, that means Townsend and other workers at Election Source did their job.

"We've produced products and shipped them all across the country," said Election Source owner Jeff DeLongchamp.

The Kentwood company has a part in elections across the country, from selling the voting machines to behind-the-scenes technical work and coding.

"We do the ballot layout and design," said DeLongchamp.

The company also supplies everything from ballot boxes to "I voted" stickers to every county in Michigan.

"We produce something that each county needs at some point," said DeLongchamp. "We work with all 83 counties when it comes to supplies."

The company also offers customer service straight through election day.   

"Until all the votes are cast and the votes are in ... my staff will be here working tirelessly to making sure that all the votes are counted," said DeLongchamp.

After the Nov. 6 election, workers at the Kentwood business will take a break and then start working with states for February elections.