Stop Hybrid Voting Machines
WE WON! Big thanks to all who helped!
On Jan. 28th the BOE voted to:
NOT certify the ExpressVote XL voting machine because of two flaws that went against election law (though there were many additional flaws not prohibited by law)
Certify the ds850 scanner upgrade but affirmed that localities can continue to use their current systems that use the popular Automark ballot marking devices
New York elections face three serious threats at this moment, and the New York State Legislature can take decisive action on all three.
On January 28th, the New York State Board of Elections will decide whether to certify the ExpressVote XL, a voting machine experts say is bad and good government groups say will “undermine the security of our elections.” The ExpressVote XL is called a "hybrid" or "all-in-one" voting machine.
1. It is imperative that the legislature take immediate action by passing legislation to ban "hybrid" or "all-in-one" voting machines. Even if the Board of Elections does not certify the ExpressVote XL on January 28th, the Board could easily vote to certify it at a later meeting. The New York State Legislature must prevent this voting machine and other systems like it from deteriorating our security and our ability to have confidence in our elections. Legislation to ban insecure hybrid or “all-in-one” voting machines in New York has already been introduced. Legislators can co-sponsor and take immediate action on the bill: Assembly Bill A1115 (Paulin) / Senate Bill S309 (Myrie).
Yet, it could wind up being used another way.
On January 28th, the New York State Board of Elections also plans to certify a software “update” of a high-speed scanner called the DS850.
This “update” could lead to the use of the ExpressVote XL, because the DS850 “update” is not compatible with one of New York’s current ballot-marking devices, the Automark. This could force counties currently using the Automark to purchase a replacement. ES&S wants the ExpressVote XL to be that replacement. Of the ballot-marking devices available in New York, the Automark is by far the preferred voting machine of voters with disabilities.
Legislators must contact the Board, and urge them not to certify the “update” to the DS850 software until it is compatible with the Automark.
3. The New York State Board of Elections is drastically underfunded. The Board said at their recent meeting, (see minute 3:25:30 of the archived webcast) “We need to have the resources available to administer our elections.” If we want to have confidence in our elections, we must fully fund our bi-partisan election agencies so that they can do their job well. Legislators must take action to speed funding to this essential agency.