Port Washington voters headed to the polls this week, voting via the electronic machines introduced in 2010.
Many had used the voting machines last year, but still asked questions Tuesday, ensuring that they filled out their ballots correctly so that their vote counted.
“A lot of people asked for help with the new machines,” said Chris Senior, a poll worker at at Sousa Elementary School.
Martha Sayles of Sands Point spoke her mind about her experience.
“I hate the new machines," she said. "As an older woman whose been voting for years and being use to levers, I needed assistance.”
”Personally I preferred the levers," Jane Christie said. "Not everyone is updated when it comes to technology. I believe we should have a choice in what we use to vote.”
“I think it’s better," said another voter. "It’s easier to use. I had no problems.”
Larry
3:38 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2011
Having a family member with a disability that makes it impossible for him to fill out a paper ballot, these machines have, in the last three elections, denied him the right to a secret ballot. Each time we are told that we fill in the ballot for him. When we ask about the accessible machine, we are told it takes too long or it doesn't work. The old machines worked just fine for him.
Nicholas Capozzi
6:04 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2011
I found the new ballots fine , just a little hint bring your reading glasses as the ballot is printed in a small font. Since we have had no reports of the machines malfunctioning this time, I think they are just fine. For those who are not able to use them there are paper ballots or if a person has a disability there are always absentee ballots, so you may vote in your home.
Larry
2:55 pm on Friday, November 11, 2011
Except if you can't fill in a paper ballot it makes no difference where or how you vote your vote is not secret. That is why the law requires accessible machines for those people who need them. The problem is either the people are not properly trained or the machines are put there just to claim compliance with no real intent to allow for secret ballots for people with disabilities.
George Mulligan
6:11 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2011
I was a polling inspector for District 54 (North Salem) at the Methodist Church. We had over 200 voters and just about everyone voted without assistance. People are getting used to the new system.
Laura Montllor, Architect
7:08 am on Friday, November 11, 2011
Not easier to use. Typeface is small and hard to read Circles are small, takes fine motor control to fill in. Wastes paper. System is more open to fraud and tampering. Lack of privacy, where is the curtain?
There is NOTHING better about these machines!
Art
9:00 am on Friday, November 11, 2011
I'd like to check out if there are any politicians that own stock in the company producing these machines.
matteo
9:15 am on Friday, November 11, 2011
One of my votes wasn't counted, probably because I didn't color the box hard enough.
I don't trust this new system, I bet there are miscounts. I liked th3e old machines better.
Joseph Mirzoeff
10:30 am on Friday, November 11, 2011
These machines leave a paper record. That's good in case an audit is needed. What with hacking and the skullduggery that plagues many elections, how can one trust electronic machines otherwise? The downside is the killing of trees and the storage of paper required.
Henry Scalfanzi
11:25 pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Nobody likes change. It does seem that this new system, while far from perfect works rather well.