The League of Women Voters of New York State Endorses Paper Ballot/Optical Scan

March 9th, 2005

The League of Women Voters of New York State today announced its support for optical scan voting systems for New York State to replace lever voting machines.

"Precinct-based optical scan systems meet the League's criteria of secure, accurate, recountable and accessible," said Marcia Merrins, League President.

"As we move to implement the Help America Vote Act in New York State, lever voting machines will need to be replaced or augmented to provide accessibility for all voters. Precinct based optical scan systems, with the addition of ballot marking devices will provide accessible, private, and independent voting for persons with disabilities and different language abilities," said Aimee Allaud, Elections/Government Specialist for the League.

Precinct-based optical scan systems are proven and tested voting systems, which have been in use in elections for twenty years and currently are used in twenty-five percent of all precincts in the United States. Arizona, Michigan, Ohio, and Minnesota will be using optical scanners to comply with HAVA.