WTHR - Indianapolis: Parties spar over voting problems

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=5645614&nav=9Tai

Parties spar over voting problems

Nov 7, 2006 12:59 PM

Marion County - Everyone admits there were problems at the precincts in Marion County Tuesday morning when the polls opened. However, the parties disagree over the severity of those problems.

There were widespread problems with electronic voting machines in Marion County that were greater than election officials anticipated. Local Democratic officials say 20 precincts in Marion County did not open on time because of problems. Marion County Clerk Doris Ann Sadler says there were only two such precincts.

Sadler said the problem was with the new touch screen voting machines, which were not set up properly. Those problems caused issues with the machine that tabulates the paper ballots, which meant that the ballots at some precincts couldn't be counted. Technicians had to be sent out to those precincts to fix the tabulator machine.

The clerk says the important thing is that voters were still able to vote, but their votes will be counted later when the machines are up and running again.

However, Marion County Democratic Party chairman Ed Treacy says some people couldn't wait and had to walk away from the polls without voting. Treacy contends that the snafus were intentional, and he called it criminal. "Absolutely," he said. "This is a purposeful event."

Sadler, a Republican, said the problems were spread "equally throughout the county," including in Republican-dominated areas. "The critical component is that voters can go in and vote the ballot."

The clerk's office said they have not received complaints from people turned away because they were not able to vote. However, the Democrats say they may seek legal court action to extend voting hours.

[hippiechick]

1. and from wishtv:

"A judicial order is allowing polls in Delaware County to stay open until 8:40 p.m. tonight. However, according to the Delaware County clerk, while a Delaware County judge says the county can keep polls open until 8:40 p.m., federal law may not allow the voting machines to operate beyond 6:00 p.m."



:mad: