S.J. registrar rips rules on voting receipts

By David Siders
Record Staff Writer
Published Tuesday, January 13, 2004

San Joaquin County's top election official warns state requirements that electronic-voting machines print paper receipts could cost county taxpayers more than $1 million and could strand voters in long lines.

The latter rule would let each voter check a printout of the electronic ballot. That would force the county to replace or retool touchscreen machines that are part of the voting system it bought for $6.5 million in 2002, Hench said.

Hench and senior deputy administrator Rosa Lee said the cost of the requirements is not certain. Hench said Monday that initial machine changes could cost more than $1 million. That cost does not include the cost per election of purchasing ink and paper, and paying staff to manage printing, Hench said. 

Registrar of Voters Deborah Hench this morning is expected to bash several state rules for touchscreen voting in a report to county supervisors.

The state rules require permanent paper records of electronic ballots beginning this year and immediate paper verification of electronic votes by 2006.

"It's a waste of money," Supervisor Jack Sieglock said. "It's an unfunded mandate."

Voting rights advocates have long supported paper receipts, warning voting machines are susceptible to fraud, hackers and breakdowns. Some are just more comfortable with "the old-fashioned way of voting," Supervisor Steve Gutierrez said.

Hench said extra time and long lines disenfranchise voters. She said she would criticize the mandate even if the state paid for it.

Anne Reed, president of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials, agreed. She said printer jams could allow maintenance workers to scrutinize individual ballots.

"(Secretary of State Kevin) Shelley does not want to listen to the voice of election experience," said Hench, whose 2001 appointment was accompanied by promises to limit registrar spending.

A secretary of state spokeswoman said Monday that the expense is worthwhile. She said companies that make voting machines have assured the state that paper technology would not trouble voters.

Sieglock and Hench are frustrated the mandate comes after the county already has bought touchscreen voting machines. Machines were purchased to eliminate paper and cut voting costs, Sieglock said.

"Send us a check," he said of the requirements.

Secretary of state spokeswoman Gerri Carbaugh said counties have enough time to budget for the additional expense.

Hench said she has asked the secretary of state to reconsider the requirements. She also has consulted county counsel, she said.

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* To reach reporter David Siders, phone (209) 943-8580 or e-mail dsiders@recordnet.com