Committee to examine security of new ballot machines
By JIM SIEGEL
Gannett News Service

COLUMBUS Whether Ohioans in many counties vote with electronic machines instead of punch card ballots this year will depend largely on Sen. Randy Gardner and a new legislative committee.

Gardner, R-Bowling Green, is one of 10 members of a new joint House-Senate committee formed to review security issues with new electronic ballot systems mandated by the federal Help America Vote Act.

"If we are going to invest this kind of money, and entrust the votes of Ohio to this system, we must ensure it's accurate to every degree possible," Gardner said.

Secretary of State Ken Blackwell is prepared to spend about $133 million in federal money for election reform. But he's seeking final legislative approval, which apparently will wait until the new committee finishes its work.

Some lawmakers believe lingering security questions remain, including how voters and county officials can verify if ions were accurately recorded.

"The reports I hear about ballot security those questions need to be answered," Gardner said. "If they can be answered promptly, Ohio can move forward."

Gardner does not express the same disdain for punch card ballots as others, noting they provide tangible proof that a vote was cast without the chance of tracing that vote back to a specific individual. He thinks the federal government's order to eliminate the machines was a "strong reaction to Florida" that may not pass if it were under consideration today.

Currently 71 of Ohio's 88 counties use punch card ballots similar to the troublesome ones used in Florida four years ago. All but six have signed on to receive new electronic voting machines.

Blackwell has cautioned lawmakers not to delay, noting the possibility of a close election in November "invites a Florida-like calamity." With quick approval, he expects about half of punch-card counties could upgrade by November.

But Blackwell is supporting the new committee, spokesman Carlo LoParo told the Associated Press.

"Our elections reform staff will act quickly to supply all the members with the comprehensive information we have assembled in the past two years," LoParo said. "We are confident that questions that may be raised by this committee can be addressed and have been addressed."

Gardner said he does not feel strongly that the new machines must be in place by November, noting that some believe Ohio should not implement a new system during the presidential election when the stakes and the turnout are at their highest.

As for Blackwell, Gardner said the committee will "give him every opportunity to state his case."