Voting hi-tech safer, costlier (BBV: CA vs. FL)

[Bushfire]

2001 UPGRADE

Broward bought its equipment in late 2001, under pressure to upgrade from punch-cards. That system was outlawed during voting reforms that swept Florida in the wake of the 2000 presidential recount. Fifteen Florida counties use some form of touch-screen equipment. The other 52 use optical-scan equipment, which voters mark with a pencil and election workers run through a machine to counts the marks.

In hindsight, it might have been better to make a more deliberative decision, said Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman.

This time around, Broward County can take its time and see what voting-machine manufacturers come up with to address California's needs. Instead of being at the forefront of voting reform, Broward can stand back and watch, Lieberman pointed out.

''I just don't want to be under the gun again,'' Lieberman said.

more...

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/states/florida/counties/broward_county/7343259.htm

Why should FL stand by and watch if their equipment does not have the trust of its citizens. Sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen ... fingers crossed.

[54anickel]

1. Geez, only 15 counties why not go back to scanners.

Fifteen Florida counties use some form of touch-screen equipment. The other 52 use optical-scan equipment, which voters mark with a pencil and election workers run through a machine to counts the marks.
snip>

The county report also finds that if the county were to ditch its sophisticated touch-screens in favor of optical-scan equipment with paper ballots, elections might not be any less expensive.
snip>

And a good kick to boot!