LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan has taken the first steps toward replacing election equipment used in the state’s 4,800 voting precincts that is more than 10 years old.

According to a news release from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson on Thursday, the state is looking for proposals from vendors who offer upgraded voting systems that use a paper ballot. Proposals are due by early September.

Johnson said local clerks have reported that the current equipment is prone to breaking down due to its age.

The news release says that after contracts for new equipment are awarded, some counties may be able to receive new equipment for the August 2016 primary election. The state hopes to roll out the new equipment statewide no later than August 2018.