"When we announced in August that twenty-five towns would begin using optical scan voting technology this year in place of lever machines, and the rest of the state would use these machines starting next year, we thought it wise to travel to every region of Connecticut to demonstrate the use of these new machines to local elections officials and concerned citizens," Bysiewicz said. "Our six-week tour is now concluded, and I have to say it was a tremendous success."
"Legislators, Mayors, First Selectmen, local election officials, and voters came out to get a look at the new machines and to see how they work," Bysiewicz continued. "We were able to demonstrate the simplicity and security of optical scan technology and to answer any questions people had about them. It was a pleasure to meet with so many people from every corner of Connecticut, and I am very proud of my office putting together this statewide tour so quickly and effectively."
Optical scan voting technology, in which a voter fills out a paper ballot and then scans it into a machine for verification, is the most common form of voting technology in America today, with more than half of the counties nationwide voting on optical scan machines. Optical scan technology also provides a paper trail for every vote cast, in compliance with state law and the federal Help America Vote Act.
"We visited every corner of the state ... because we know just how important it is to give people a firm understanding of the voting technology we chose to ultimately replace our lever machines," Bysiewicz said. "I was heartened by how passionate Connecticut citizens are about voting and the elections process. I thank them for their dedication, and they will help to make Connecticut's future in new voting technology a bright one."
