Bridget Cooke

January 29, 2007

 

I want to thank the Governmental Operations Committee and Technology in Government Committee for holding this hearing so that members of the public can express their views on the very critical issue of buying new election equipment.

 

My name is Bridget Cooke and I am a resident of Manhattan and a long-time voter.

 

I have followed with dismay and fear the many news stories around the country of malfunctioning voting equipment.

 

I want to urge you to pass Resolution 131 to urge our Board of Elections to choose paper ballots and optical scanners. These are far more reliable than the direct recording computer devices. The paper ballot-scanner technology is one that voters can trust. And the use of paper ballots and optical scanners requires much less money not only for purchase but also for the maintenance of this equipment.

 

Thank you very much.