Electronic balloting earns 2 thumbs up from voters, officials
Machines made their Utah debut Tuesday in Farmington vote
The machines, which were used for the first time during a Utah election in Farmington's primaries on Tuesday, received glowing reviews from midday voters and seasoned election workers. Overall, there were no complaints, and many of the voters said that the electronic machines were an improvement over punch-card ballots.
Alan Call said that his wife, Rowene, proved the simplicity of the machines with her highly efficient voting.
"She can't run the remote control, but she finished before I did," Call said. "I felt more comfortable on them than with the punch card, especially after all of the problems in Florida," in the 2000 election.
Voters seemed to take to the machines, even those who struggle with programming a VCR, operating a computer, or like the Calls running a remote control. The polling manager for Farmington City Hall's voting machines, Diane Wheeler, said that even those most nervous about the machines were comforted after a short tutorial, and that there was generally less confusion than with the old ballot system.
Truth be told, Wheeler was one of the most nervous people over the machines and "didn't sleep a wink" Monday night because she was worried about something going wrong. Luckily, her fears were unnecessary.
"Some people are surprised by the machines, and some of the older ones need a little hands-on help to accomplish the learning curve," she said. "But once they understand it, the machines are working very well."
Farmington is the first in the state to use the machines, although Brigham City will join the test during the general election on Nov. 8. The city had five polling locations set up for the primary election, all of which had the machines and none of which experienced any major problems.
The only mishap reported was a machine that was knocked over after a person tripped on its cord, Davis County Clerk Steve Rawlings said. The machine's hardware was not damaged, however, and no votes were lost.
Overall, he was excited about the results, especially considering the amount of media attention garnered by the technology.
"There's been nothing but positive feedback," Rawlings said.
Another comfort for voters was the obvious redundancy of the machines, including a paper receipt they can review. Stephanie Wilcox, who voted with a toddler in tow, said that although the machines "looked intimidating," they were really very simple to use and, most important, she knows she voted correctly.
"You see the screen, and review your vote there, but then you also see a paper receipt," she said. "It's nice because you know (your vote) isn't just disappearing some place."
E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com
Comments
- 5 hurt in latest Pamplona bull run 8:49 a.m.
- Delay in Jackson guardianship case 8:47 a.m.
- Attempted murder case refiled 1:58 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:38 a.m.
- This weekend on TV 1:38 a.m.
- Birthdays for Saturday, July 11 1:38 a.m.
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza 1:37 a.m.
- S.L. man spots stolen car — his 1:23 a.m.
- Girl critical after run-in with train 1:23 a.m.
- Probe of death treated as slaying 1:22 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Teacher faces new sex charges
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- S.L. man spots stolen car — his
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- LDS seminary principal arrested
160 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
136 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
99 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
I love Millsap, and the Jazz will find a way to move Boozer and match for...
i think its childish to assume that somebody would actually want to get...
Millsap and Boozer need to stay in Utah. Millsap is Boozers backup while he...
Childish and immature? Its always easier being ignorant and presuming things...
can you use words like testimony and church leadership to critisize a...
Bro P really helped me through a tough time in my life when I had him in...
These are only allegations at present, but I hope when he goes to trial, the...
My thoughts are with the Pratt family right now. Michael I hope you are...
It is interesting that everyone who seems to be a member comments on how nice...
You presume, simply because they were gay, that they were trying to "stir...


You can be the first to comment on this story.