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Look for same old voting machines

Too little time left to test, buy electronic type for 2006 elections

Yancey Roy

Albany bureau

(February 28, 2006) — 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 tested and 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 commissioner Evelyn Aquila, "we're going to have an election we'll never forget. It would be so terrible."

Most 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, commissioners said.

Jon Greenbaum of the local group Metro Justice said the state is making the right decision to delay the vote. The group, along with other local civic organizations, has urged officials to enact regulations that best accommodate the needs of disabled voters and provide protections against voting fraud.

"That gives a year to get it right," Greenbaum said of a delay.

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.

Monroe County Elections Commissioner Peter Quinn said the schedule was getting tight to have machines in place this year. After the state board approves the regulations and certifies machines, counties would then pick which machine to use. After that, it would take months to train staff.

But Quinn said that if the machines aren't available this year, the county will work to have them in place as soon as possible.

"Our goal will still be to not let up on the process so we will be fully prepared when we can implement it," he said.

Counties, which will make their own purchasing decisions, could decide to make the switch for this fall. But it's unlikely any will, commissioners said.

YROY@Gannett.com

Includes reporting by staff writer Joseph Spector.