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Watchdog group raises concerns over verifiable paper ballots in KY & IN |
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Posted by -Chuck
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Monday, 20 October 2008 |
By: David McArthur - WAVE
 LOUISVILLE, KY - In two weeks, record crowds are expected to turn out for the presidential election. But in a mixed report card for both states, Kentucky and Indiana are facing some challenges with election readiness.
Early voting is already underway in Indiana. Floyd County voters know the routine - pick up the ballot, mark it and turn it in for a machine to count it.
"I think we ought to have a paper vote. I like the way we do it now in Floyd County, it works great," said voter John Ferguson.
Paper is still preferred in Floyd County, but it is one of only 6 Indiana counties with a paper trail for every vote.
Floyd County Clerk Linda Moeller says she cannot speak for other counties, but she feels the $20,000 cost of printing actual ballots is money well spent. It will help in case of a manual recount. And give peace of mind to voters.
"That's what the people like, the feel of a ballot in their hands. That they can touch and feel and actually make that mark. It's been our experience that what the voters here in Floyd County like," said Moeller.
In a joint study by the Brennan Center for Justice, the Common Cause Fund, and the Verified Voting Foundation, both Indiana and Kentucky got good marks for Election Day contingency plans with Indiana being one of three states in the excellent category. But both Indiana and Kentucky got low marks for inadequate verifiable paper records, used in some counties, but not others.
"Actually, I think it is more accurate by paper, because you can see who you voted for that way," said voter Jackie Bauman.
Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita was unavailable for comment, but directed WAVE 3 to text of his congressional testimony this summer on the paper ballot issue. Rokita told Washington lawmakers that one Indiana county ran out of paper ballots during the primary. He also noted "there is no magic solution" and no one has yet to witness a perfect election, adding the best we can hope for is fair and accurate.
Floyd County is already reporting high interest in the election with 1,500 early voters. With so much on the line, citizens like Ferguson just want to make sure every vote is counted.
"It is real important that we get the votes right. A paper trail does a great job. We can always go back and recount. A computer you can't do that," Ferguson said.
-Original Article-
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