Lawmaker argues for paper trail in new voting systems

By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer   21 January 2005

DES MOINES With the state poised to its voting machines, a key lawmaker on Thursday said that any new system that is adopted should include a backup that allows for a manual recount in disputed elections.

"Many think that you ought to have a paper trail with these machines," said Sen. Jack Kibbie, D-Emmetsburg.

Kibbie is an expert on voting issues and as a moderate his views carry weight in both parties.

In the wake of the 2000 election, Congress approved a measure giving states money to modernize voting systems widely blamed for embarrassing disputes such as the outcome in Florida.

In Iowa, a commission composed of state and local election officials is considering how it will pass out money to local officials who actually run elections.

"I think it's a pertinent issue now before this equipment is purchased," Kibbie said. "I think we'll have that discussion and it's timely. We need to have a uniform system throughout the state."

Supporters of computerized voting machines say they are the easiest to operate and provide the speediest results. Critics say the computerized systems are vulnerable to manipulation.

Kibbie said it's that concern that creates the need to maintain a paper trail for recounts.

"There are still some contests out there for the '04 election in other states where they don't have a paper trail and they wish they did," he said.

Kibbie said there's a need to settle the issue this year, because local election officials are required to have the d equipment in place for next year's election