Reply #5: Somerset and Cambria County's

[stillcool]

Officials defend voting systems

By KIRK SWAUGER
The Tribune-Democrat
SOMERSET —
Elections officials in Somerset and Cambria counties are undeterred in plans to purchase new touch-screen voting machines following a state court decision that requires voters in a neighboring county to approve the change.



Smith said voters in Cambria approved the switch to electronic voting during a series of municipal referendums from 1981 to 1996.

But another lawsuit could have an impact on Cambria’s plans. Five county residents and 16 from Butler County contend in the suit that the state constitution and state law specify that referendums are required on voting-system changes before any may be implemented.

Rullo said Somerset’s 1984 referendum did not specify the type of electronic voting machines the county intended to use, meaning it covers the new touch screens as well.

Cambria is buying 500 IVotronic machines from Election Systems & Software of Nebraska for $1.72 million. Federal funds will cover all but $167,000 of the cost, though officials say that soon will be offset by what the county pays to print ballots.

Somerset County will receive $691,000 in federal funds for new machines and will buy nearly 270 from Diebold Electronic Systems.
http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_045233315.html?keyword=topstory