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Poughkeepsie Journal

February 27, 2006

Old voting machines to stay for 2006

By Yancey Roy

Journal Albany Bureau

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

New machines can’t be 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," said commission Evelyn Aquila, "we’re going to have an election we’ll never forget. It would be so terrible."

All 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.

New York was supposed to have electronic machines on line for the 2006 elections, to comply with the federal Help America Vote Act. Federal officials have threatened to pull $49 million earmarked for New York to purchase new machines.

With a lawsuit looming, New York officials are discussing a possible settlement that one address at least one key element of HAVA: providing better access for the handicapped. New York is considering two methods, including one that would direct disabled voters to the polls where they would then use a telephone system to cast a ballot.

New York eventually must replace the 22,000 lever-style machines. But board members said 2007 would be a better year, where there are few local elections and no statewide contests.