One of the workshops at the Progressive Summit I attended in Pittsburgh dealt with the methods by which we vote. A representative of the reform group Vote PA (<www.VotePA.us>) led the workshop, and she explained that Pennsylvania allows each county to pick its own system. As a result, the state actually has six different methods of voting.
Carbon County uses the Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) touchscreen system. Vote PA has major problems with the system, advocating an Optical Scan system instead. I used Optical Scan when I was a poll worker in California. The voter is handed a paper ballot with small ovals next to the candidates’ names. He or she takes the ballot to a voting station and fills in the ovals next to the candidates selected. The voter then takes the ballot to a scanner and feeds it in. The votes are automatically recorded. The ballot drops into a secure plastic bin behind the machine. If there is a problem a paper backup is available.
If the voter makes an error, such as voting for both Sestak and Toomey, the scanner kicks back the ballot with an explanation. The voter is handed a new ballot and revotes.
Here are the advantages of an Optical Scan system:
Fewer machines are needed. You can have ten voters bubbling in their ballots at the same time. The scanning process takes seconds, so you only need one scanner per polling place.
Optical Scan systems break less often than DREs. And even if the machine breaks down, voters can still mark their ovals on the paper ballot. The ballots can be scanned later.
People understand the system. At your polling place, watch the hesitation of some of the elderly voters at the touch screen. I know more than one citizen who will not vote with our machines. Everyone knows how to fill in the ovals.
Disabled people have an easier time with the ballots. Optical Scan systems have audio ballots available for the visually impaired and “sip and puff” for voters who do not have the use of their hands.
The secret ballot is preserved. DRE printouts can be matched to the signup book to discover how people voted.
You can’t hack the ballots in the Optical Scan system. If the DRE system malfunctions, those votes are gone forever.
When it is time for Carbon County to update its system, the best alternative is clearly the Optical Scan.
I have talked to people who have stopped voting because of the change to a new method. I lot of things need to be done to increase voter turnout. 1. More than one day of voting.
ReplyDelete2. Internet voting
3. Easier absentee ballet voting.
4. Optical scan system.
Formation an organization that would pursue a study and survey of individuals to see what would like to see done. This could be part of various political parties when they are meeting with the people in there booths at Fairs, events, etc.
I agree with geojr with the exception of Internet voting. On the surface it seems like a good idea, with all the hackers that are out there, I think you're asking for trouble. Never underestimate those guys.
ReplyDeleteI do like the Optical Scan system because there's a paper trail.