the state could not experience a Florida debacle, Secretary of State Bill Jones quickly issued a 10-point reform plan that includes a request for a $230 million capital fund to update voting technology. His proposal -- which will have to be approved by the state Legislature -- included an "Election Technology Exhibition," in which vendors were invited to demonstrate electronic voting systems to state and local election officials. Not surprisingly, Florida has announced its intentions to modernize along with several other states.
Funding is perhaps the biggest impediment to automating the nations elections. In local jurisdictions, funds are generally targeted at the "concrete" infrastructure, rather than the electronic infrastructure. Florida seems to have changed those priorities. In California, Jones is actively promoting election reform by urging county boards of supervisors to endorse his statewide plan. He has also reached out to the state Legislature and has received bi-partisan support.
Even with state political support, counties will be financially pressed to make wholesale changes. Although the historic 2000 election may have accelerated the move to electronic and online voting, the costs in some states could be staggering. California has 25,000 precincts with an average of four voting stations at each site. The cost could reach $300 million. The elections office for New York estimates it would cost up to $160 million to equip its 15,000 precincts with new technology. In Michigan, where the Secretary of State has called for a blue ribbon commission to study the potential for standardizing the states voting systems, about 31,500 voting stations would be needed -- costing approximately $94 million.
Nonetheless, suppliers are optimistic. "I think theres going to be a dramatic difference in our industry and business," said Global Systems Esminger. "There will probably be more voting equipment sold in the next two or three years than in the last 10."
Vendors are hopeful that state, and perhaps federal, government will provide financial support to local jurisdictions. The 2000 presidential race was a wake-up call for election officials lucky enough to avoid the national spotlight. Knowing they might not be so fortunate the next time around, officials are opening the doors to voting technology, if not exactly rolling out the red carpet.
"Every company ought to be thankful that finally the attention is on how the system needs to be upgraded," said Harts Long. "If the federal government or the states make funds available, you are really going to see some changes."
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