VotersUnite!

Leisureville voters to use paper, machines in March 9 election

By Lisa J. Huriash
Staff Writer
Posted February 27 2004

Registered Democrats who live in Leisureville, a tiny neighborhood next to Pompano Beach, will vote by two methods in the March 9 election.

They will choose their preferred Democratic presidential candidate by voting machine. Also, they will cast their vote on the annexation referendum on paper ballots.

All other Leisureville voters will vote only on the annexation question, also by paper ballot. Leisureville's 1,100 registered voters are being asked if they want to become part of Pompano Beach.

Elections officials say they are taking the unusual route because the annexation referendum answers are too lengthy to fit on electronic voting machine screens in both English and Spanish.

"This sure was not the way we wanted it to happen," said Mary Cooney, the supervisor of election's director of candidate qualifying. "It causes some problems, but fortunately it was only one precinct. And this was the only solution we could come up with."

Cooney said the city was asked to rewrite the answers to be shorter and presented with alternative proposals, but the city declined.

"The city was anxious to cooperate, but we were not comfortable with the proposal," said city spokeswoman Sandra King. She said it did not track the language that state law requires for a referendum question.

Cooney said a staff member would be specially trained for the election at precinct 13Z.

Guild Louanis, president of the Leisureville Board of Directors, said most residents wouldn't mind going back to the old paper ballot. And he said he expects a hefty turnout on Election Day.

"There's a lot of interest in the vote, so I'm sure people will be there. We all want to go to Pompano and we'll do what we have to do," he said.

If Leisureville residents agree to join Pompano Beach, the annexation will take effect Sept. 15.

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4557.