"It was a great day for Ohio voters. More than 15,000 new voting machines were used by nearly one million voters today and we were overwhelmed with positive reports," Blackwell said. "As with all large-scale rollouts of new technology, there were a few isolated slow starts. However, election officials identified problems and resolved them quickly so voters could cast their ballots with confidence and efficiency."
Further, voters with disabilities were able to use the features of the new systems to vote without assistance, ensuring the privacy that all other voters expect and deserve.
Beginning in late September, 671 training classes of at least three hours in length were attended by more than 20,000 poll workers and election officials. The classes educated local officials on the proper use and maintenance of their new voting systems.
In addition, 400 voting system technicians traveled to polling locations where the new electronic voting machines were used. The technicians answered questions and addressed any problems when necessary. Also, each precinct was equipped with emergency paper ballots in case of technical difficulties not immediately correctable.
A map of the state of Ohio with each county's voting system used for the 2005 General Election is available at www.yourvotecountsohio.org. The Web site also features instructional materials for each voting system.
