Nebraska Selects ES&S to Provide Statewide Optical Scan Voting System
            

     New voting technology will enhance voting experience for all voters

    OMAHA, Neb., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale
announced today that the state has chosen Nebraska-based Election Systems &
Software, Inc. (ES&S) to implement a new statewide optical scan voting system.
ES&S will implement the new voting system in each county throughout the state,
totaling 93 counties.
    Thirty-six counties will utilize ES&S Model 100 precinct-level ballot
counters, while the remaining counties will utilize ES&S Model 650 central
ballot counters. In addition, each polling site in the state will be equipped
with an ES&S AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal. The new machines will bring the
state into compliance with the requirements of the federal Help America Vote
Act (HAVA). HAVA was enacted to increase access to voting and modernize voting
systems nationwide.
    "Under HAVA, we're required to equip our election officials with an
election system that will meet the federal mandates," Gale said. "We're
pleased that ES&S can furnish us with a unique voting system consisting of the
ES&S AutoMARK and optical-scan equipment. This combination continues a solid
relationship of Nebraska with ES&S and provides us with a paper-ballot system
that is uniform across the state."
    The new system, which will be in place in time for the May 2006 primary,
is proven, reliable, and easy-to-use for poll workers and voters, alike.
    In announcing the $10.9 million contract today, Gale said, "I'm especially
excited about utilizing the ES&S AutoMARK, as it will allow voters with
disabilities and other expanded needs to cast a ballot unassisted."
    The ES&S AutoMARK is a revolutionary ballot-marking device designed to
assist disabled voters and others with expanded needs. The ES&S AutoMARK is
the only product on the market that allows these voters to vote privately and
independently using an optical scan voting system. ES&S has a long history of
innovating new solutions to encourage and improve election accessibility for
individuals with disabilities, as well as others with expanded needs.
    "I am very proud to continue our tradition of service in Nebraska, "said
Aldo Tesi, president and CEO of ES&S. "I am confident our optical scan voting
system will enhance the voting experience for all Nebraska voters."