http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/20255.htm

New York Post Online Edition

ELECTRONIC VOTING PLAN FOR APPLE NEXT YEAR

By DAVID SEIFMAN

March 9, 2004 -- The city Board of Elections is going to test electronic voting for the first time in next year's mayoral race, leading to concern about possible foul-ups in the city's most important election.

John Ravitz, the board's executive director, testified at a City Council budget hearing yesterday that he's required by a new federal law to replace all the antiquated mechanical voting machines here by 2006.

Ravitz said "it wouldn't be responsible" to do that all at once, so he'll be introducing the machines in a couple of boroughs first to iron out potential problems. Staten Island, the smallest borough, is the likeliest test area.

Councilman Bill Perkins (D-Manhattan), chairman of the Committee on Government Operations, said the sweeping overhaul presents a "humongous challenge" to the Board of Elections in a year when the mayor and all other city officials are up for re-election.

"Clearly, any mistakes of a substantial nature will trigger federal involvement," Perkins warned.

Ravitz requested $20 million be added to the board's $68 million budget to help implement the Help America Vote Act.

The figure flabbergasted legislators.

"It does give us pause or alarm to see the request you have made," said Perkins, whose wife serves as the No. 3

administrator at the board.

Ravitz responded that much of the money might be reimbursed, but that he has to start planning - and spending - now.

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