When you vote in the 2010 elections, you will notice something different at your polling location. The antiquated curtain-drawn voting machines and levers will be gone, replaced with computer voting machines.
Library visitors were introduced to the DS200 Optical Scan and AutoMARK voting machines at the Syosset Public Library Friday.
"These machines are overwhelmingly easy to use," said Robert Daly, a supervisor with the Nassau County Board of Elections.
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Using the Optical Scan, Daly demonstrated the procedure: Sign in, receive a pre-printed ballot, fill in the bubble next to candidate you prefer, insert the ballot into the machine and the ballot is scanned. If you make a mistake on the ballot, the machine will notify you.
"If you skipped a candidate, it will tell you on the screen," Daly said. "If you choose to proceed, that is fine but it is letting you know, just in case, you may have missed it."
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No matter which way you insert the paper, the Optical Scan will read it.
The AutoMARK machine is designed for persons with disabilities. It allows them to vote independently thanks to choices such as audio ballot reading using headphones, sip and puff provisions, zoom feature and screen contrast.
"If a person has a problem seeing, just zoom it in," Daly explained. "We also made it accessible for a person in a wheelchair to just roll right up to the machine and access the computer."
The AutoMARK also assists with non-English-speaking individuals.
Federal laws direct that ballots and any printed materials are provided in other languages. In Nassau County, the other language is Spanish. The AutoMARK gives non-English-speaking or limited-English-speaking voters the choice of having the ballot read to them in Spanish.
"On election days, the Board of Elections will have coordinators on hand to help people with these machines. It should be smooth sailing," he said.
According to Daly, once voters insert their ballots into the computer, they will be protected by a backup system, including memory cards and the paper ballots. As usual, privacy booths will be in place.
Said Daly, "The machines are a sign of change, change for the better."
For more information about the next location for a voting machine demonstration, visit www.nassauvotes.com.
