The Catskill Chronicle

To the Editor:

The Town of Neversink voters in three election districts experienced the new electronic voting machines and ballots. The process was not difficult. It was almost like filling out a standized test form in school. Just fill in the proper box. Then put the ballot into the machine for the count.

The biggest issue with casting your vote is secrecy. This is the most serious flaw in the voting process. There was much talk around about the process, not about the machines.

Kenneth Walter

Grahamsville

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The Old Way:

1. The curtain closes behind you and you vote in total seclusion.

2. Your write-in vote is cast on a roll of paper with no tie to your ballot vote.

3. If a voter needs assistance, there is room for 2 inspectors, 1 from each party, to be in the booth with the voter asking for assistance.

4. Distance between the occupied booth and the next voter is 10 to 12 feet minimum.

The New Way:

1. You fill out your ballot in full view of everyone.

2. A person walking by can look over your shoulder and see how you are voting. Less secrecy for a person in a wheelchair.

3. No privacy envelope/folder is given to the voter with the ballot.

4. An election inspector could observe your vote when you are inserting your ballot into the voting machine.

5. No room for 2 inspectors, 1 from each party, to be in the booth with the voter asking for assistance.

6. Without a privacy envelope, you are taking your ballot from the “privacy” booth to the voting machine in full view of all.

7. The voting machine was programmed to accept your ballot when under voting without your confirmation to “ACCEPT.”

8. No privacy distance maintained between machine and next voter.