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.