(New Mexico) Gov. Wants Standardized Paper Ballots Statewide

[phusion]

http://abqjournal.com/news/appaper01-12-06.htm

SANTA FE — New Mexico plans to move to a paper ballot-based system for its elections across the state and the change could be in place by the November general election.

Gov. Bill Richardson said Thursday he will propose legislation that requires a paper ballot voting system in all counties and he's proposing that lawmakers allocate $11 million to help pay for needed software and voting machines.

Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron and Attorney General Patricia Madrid support the switch to the paper ballot system. Also backing the change are some activists in the state who oppose the use of electronic voting machines.

Currently, 11 counties use the system in which voters are given paper ballots, which are tabulated by an optical scanner machine. All 33 counties use that paper ballot system for mail-in absentee voting, according to state elections director Ernest Marquez.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

1. Isn't Richardson The Governor Who Halted NM Recount?

I seem to recall him being one who was not on our side in November 2004, and that he wouldn't continue with the recount.

If I'm reading this correctly, it is not only good news, but Great News!

[EFerrari]

2. Same reaction here.

Am I delusional?

(checking . . .)

[Horse with no Name]

4. Still and all

Fuck Bill Richardson. New Mexico could have helped saved America in 2004.
Now it may be too little too late.

[phusion]

3. you're correct

he was the one!

[Warpy]

8. That's the one

My best guess is that he doesn't expect it to pass, doesn't expect it to be funded, doesn't expect it to be popular.

Since I suspect I'm one of the 17,000 people whose votes in the national election (but not for the local judge) were deleted, I sincerely hope he's wrong on all counts.

[Lena inRI]

5. Way to go NM. . .

so simple and so right.

Any time and material expense for paper balloting are justified in order to get the most verifiably accountable voting.

Time the other 49 follow NM's example!
:yourock:

[benburch]

6. Somewhere, Andy Stephenson is smiling!

:)

[marions ghost]

7. what to think

:dilemma: I'd like to know what caused his change of heart. These days you can't assume good intentions.
I'd like to think it was politically expedient because his constituency won't put up with what happened in 2004 again. But you have to have the inside story.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

9. Maybe He Plans To Run In '08....

Perhaps he intends to run for the presidency, and figures he has a slightly better shot at winning, if he can carry his own state without any fraud taking place.