Poll workers everywhere are prepping for the premier of new voting machines in the valley. However, it may make the most impact on those workers already set in their ways.

Washington County poll worker Bob Becker said, "When I started we had the machine with the levers that you pushed and the curtain went around you, all that kind of stuff."

Becker is keeping his election day checklist handy. He has worked for the precincts in Washington County for 10 years. He's used to change, but he says he's not sure how the coming election night will go.

"If the machine works the way it's supposed to, I think it will be easier. Notice, I said 'if.' "

Becker and hundreds of other valley poll workers have received training on the new equipment. In Washington County, voters will still use a paper ballot, but this time with a pen because it will be inserted into a machine to be counted.

"I think some people will go in and want to know where the pencil is!"

In Wood County, voters are really jumping up the technology ladder with electronic voting machines. Testing on the machines was underway Tuesday and should be ready for the May primary.

County Clerk Jamie Six said his senior poll workers may be the toughest to teach, but their eager to learn.

"We've had one or two who have decided for one reason or another that they don't want to do it, but overall, 98 percent of them are just as happy as can be. They're looking forward to the challenge. It is something new, but they're enjoying it."

It’s a challenge and a lesson we won't know is learned until the first races are tallied.

Wood County officials received their voting software Monday night. They had hoped to have the new machines running for early voters Wednesday; however, a few adjustments still need to be made.