N.Y. won't get new election machines this year . . .

[OneBlueSky]

By Yancey Roy
The Journal News
February 28, 2006

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060228/NEWS03/602280349/1017

ALBANY — It's virtually impossible to have new, electronic voting machines ready for the fall elections, meaning most voters will still be using old, lever-style machines, state officials said yesterday.

New machines can't be tested and certified any earlier than June, leaving too little time for counties to purchase the machines and train workers, said commissioners of the state Board of Elections. Commissioners said they would rather not rush the process at this point — even at the risk of a federal lawsuit — for fear of creating an election debacle.

"If we're forced to do it, or a judge forces us to do it," Commissioner Evelyn Aquila said, "we're going to have an election we'll never forget. It would be so terrible."

Most statewide offices, including governor, and all 212 legislators are up for election this year. The board postponed voting on regulations for new machines, an act that would have launched the bidding process for voting-machine companies. More time was needed to deal with issues of security, verification and testing, among other issues, commissioners said.

- more . . .

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060228/NEWS03/602280349/1017

[dorkulon]

1. Sounds like good news to me

At least there's a decent chance of having your vote counted.

[dusty64]

2. This is good news

and possibly the last time I ever vote, until fair and accurate elections return that is.

[Earth_First]

3. Thank goodness!

I had the opportunity to test-pilot several of these DRE's during a public comment period in January, and I was not impressed. I am glad that they are not going to try and hurry this through.

[Earth_First]

4. Kick!

There is no excuse why this thread should not be listed on the Greatest Page!

[Earth_First]

5. kick!