From Deseret News archives:
Salt Lake County delays OK of Diebold voting machines
The County Council's reversal of that decision comes after a local fair-elections group lobbied council members to take more time to explore alternatives to scrapping the punch card system entirely.
"We've all understood that under the Help America Vote Act we have to switch from the punch cards now," Councilman Mark Crockett said. "If we didn't have to, that might be worth thinking about."
The 2002 act requires states to update their voting systems to improve the administration and accessibility of elections. Although some of the requirements could meet HAVA regulations, County Clerk Sherrie Swensen said they do not allow voters to double check if they voted for more than one candidate.
Although Swensen had her own doubts about the electronic system, she said it was the only viable alternative to meet the new standards. She now has until Sept. 8 to get an agreement signed with the state to use the Diebold machines.
"I wish that they had brought these concerns up sooner. I'm disappointed that the concerns are being brought up at this late date," Swensen said. "I want them to feel comfortable with it and get all the answers."
But Clarity Sanderson of the Utah Voters for Open and Transparent Elections group encouraged County Council members Tuesday night to take another look at the HAVA language. The act never specifically says traditional systems have to be replaced with electronic voting, she said.
Rather, Sanderson said the act could permit a less drastic modification of the punch card system where one Diebold machine is placed in each voting location to assist handicapped voters and other residents used the card system.
"I think all the intentions were good, I just think there's been some heavy misinformation," she said.
Sanderson and her group are opposed to the Diebold machines because of the possibility of tampering with the electronic coding to rig an election. The group also thinks the electronic voting takes some transparency out of elections.
"One of the things I've always loved about our democracy is that at least the appearance of transparency is something we strive for. When you go this direction, it takes a whole layer out," she said.
The County Council scheduled a special meeting Sept. 6 to decide if it will go along with the Diebold system.
E-mail: estewart@desnews.com
