I was dismayed to read that the two election commissioners from Delaware County have decided on the type of voting machine they want our county to purchase. They couldn’t say what machine it is, but their description indicates a touch-screen machine. I wish we could stick with the old lever-style machines, but if we have to change, the optical scan system seems wiser.
The League of Women Voters says the optical scan system provides "a more secure, accurate, recountable and accessible means of voting." The touch-screen machines are more high-tech, but it seems that often the higher the tech, the greater the difficulties. The complexity of the system also leads to a shorter longevity. Initially the touch-screen machines may seem cheaper, but their servicing will probably cost more, and they’ll probably have to be replaced in three or four years. The federal government will pay for whichever type of machine is bought, but after that, maintenance, repairing and replacement will be paid for by the counties. Certainly the bill calling for these changes didn’t promise that the feds would pay for anything but the first-time purchase, and I can’t imagine the state taking up the slack.
I hope the Delaware County Board of Supervisors is considering these facts. The supervisors who will be responsible for footing the bill for the machines’ care and replacement have the responsibility to consider the system’s cost over the long haul. Since ultimately the money comes from the residents of the county, I’d suggest they contact their supervisors about this issue. Too many mandates from the federal government end up costing local government much more than ever anticipated, and if the cost for local government goes up, guess who pays?
Kate Ryan , Delhi