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April 06, 2006 06:44 PM US Eastern Timezone

Sequoia Voting Systems & Jaco Electronics Unveil Latest Voting Machine for New York

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 2006--Sequoia Voting Systems:

-- New York Companies -- Creating Hundreds of Local Jobs

-- Sequoia's Advantage L Touch Screen Empowers Disabled Voters

-- Provides Secure, Cost-Effective and Easy to Use Election Technology

Sequoia Voting Systems exhibited its full-face Advantage L Touch Screen Direct Record Electronic (DRE) voting machine today. A state-of-the-art technology, the Advantage L Touch Screen offers the most reliable, cost-effective, and user friendly voting solution for New York, while also meeting the requirements of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The new machine was displayed at Jaco Electronics, Sequoia's Long Island-based manufacturer, who produces much of Sequoia's election equipment.

With roots in New York since 1892, Sequoia has consistently provided superior and proven voting machines and election services, and currently maintains unparalleled in-state facilities, which generate hundreds of jobs for New Yorkers. Sequoia manufactures the majority of its equipment right here in New York, at Jaco Electronics in Hauppauge and Harvard Custom Manufacturing in Owego. Sequoia also maintains a major company facility in Jamestown.

"Having employed New Yorkers for over 100 years dating back to the invention of the first lever machine in Jamestown, Sequoia is pleased to offer the most advanced voting technology available, and we look forward to employing New Yorkers for another 100 years," said Jack Blaine, President of Sequoia Voting Systems.

With a 20-year track record, DRE systems are proven technology for secure, reliable, and accurate elections. In fact, jurisdictions throughout the state of Nevada used Sequoia's DRE system with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in the 2004 presidential election -- yielding the most accurate and reliable results of any voting technology surveyed. Moreover, the Advantage L Touch Screen, the latest DRE from Sequoia, meets Section 301 of HAVA and New York State requirements -- including the placement of one handicap accessible voting machine in every polling place. Now, for the first time, many disabled voters will be able to cast their ballots privately and independently by using the Advantage L Touch Screen.

"The Advantage L Touch Screen empowers disabled voters and allows them to vote without any assistance and in complete privacy," added Howard Cramer, Vice-President of Sales for Sequoia. "This system finally makes the playing field level, and now all citizens can vote in an equal manner."

About Sequoia Voting Systems

Sequoia Voting Systems has been providing election services and support to state and local government for more than 100 years, dating back to the nation's first lever-based mechanical voting equipment in the 1890s. Sequoia Voting Systems is the nation's most experienced provider of touch screen voting systems with an unparalleled track record of successful voting system installations. For 18 years, the company has managed thousands of electronic elections in hundreds of jurisdictions in 20 states. Sequoia is headquartered in Oakland, California and has offices throughout the US. For more information, please visit www.sequoiavote.com.

About JACO Electronics, Inc.

Jaco is a leading distributor of electronic components to industrial OEMs and contract manufacturers. Jaco distributes products such as semiconductors, capacitors, resistors, electromechanical devices, flat panel displays (FPD) and power supplies, which are used in the manufacture and assembly of electronic products, including: telecommunications equipment, computers and office equipment, medical devices and instrumentation, industrial equipment and controls, military/aerospace systems and automotive and consumer electronics.

Contacts

Sequoia Voting Systems

Michelle M. Shafer, 800-347-4702

mshafer@sequoiavote.com

or

Jonathan Freedman, 212-751-3326

jf@groupsjr.com

© Business Wire 2006