Va. Election Preparations Inadequate, Study Finds

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/16/AR2008101603641.html?hpid=topnews

Virginia is among the least prepared states to handle Election Day problems such as long lines, broken machines and software malfunctions, according to a report released yesterday by voting rights advocates.

With 5 million people registered to vote in Virginia this year, a 10 percent increase over last year, voter rights groups are concerned about the state's ability to handle the onslaught.

"Everyone knows this election is going to have an incredible turnout," said Susannah Goodman, director of the election reform program for Common Cause. "We don't think they have the infrastructure in place to handle the volume. We are asking them to develop a contingency plan. We are not expecting a perfect election. We know machines fail. Let's not be surprised when they do."

Susan Pollard, a spokesman for the Virginia State Board of Elections, said it is "looking at the inaccuracies and developing a response" to the report.