Reply #9: WV: Judge Extends Deadline After Voting Machine Problems

[livvy]

Apr 28, 5:12 PM EDT

Judge extends deadline after voting machine problems

By LAWRENCE MESSINA
Associated Press Writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A Kanawha Circuit judge on Friday gave counties until the eve of the May 9 primary to test new electronic voting machines, responding to problems in at least 11 counties blamed on a software glitch.

Judge Paul Zakaib granted a petition filed by Secretary of State Betty Ireland earlier in the day to extend the deadline that requires testing one week before an election.

Counties were in danger of missing that deadline after an engineer for Election Systems & Software programmed the machines with outdated software.

"I am absolutely appalled by ES&S' delays and the hardships ES&S has placed upon this state and our county officials," Ireland said. "ES&S' delay in programming ballots has made the process very difficult. It is inexcusable."

>more

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WV_VOTING_MACHINES_WVOL-?SITE=WVHUN&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-04-28-17-12-11