Perry Hall Lawmaker Among Voters Facing Defective Machines at Polls

Maryland election officials have gotten word that some machines are changing voters’ selections at the polls, and a Perry Hall delegate was among those who experienced the glitch.

Delegate Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore/Harford), whose district includes Perry Hall, said that when she tried to select a Republican candidate’s name on the touchscreen: “...the machine kept going ‘beep, beep, beep,’” according to WJZ. Szeliga is up for reelection this year, so her name is among those on the ballot in District 7.

William Childers of Havre de Grace said when he voted early in Aberdeen, his vote for a Republican congressman registered but then the machine changed his selection, illuminating the Democratic candidate instead, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Republicans attributed the problem to the age of the machines, which are due for replacement by 2016, according to WTOP.

As of Monday—the fifth day of early voting—the Maryland State Board of Elections said that fewer than 20 machines had been identified as problematic.

Of those, technicians could not replicate the issue in 12 machines but the others were taken out of service for more testing, according to the state.

State election officials said usually the problem was voter error, and gave these tips to ensure accuracy:

• Use a fingertip not a fingernail on the touchscreen.
• Review the summary screen.
• Inform election judge of concerns about the machine before submitting your ballot.

Early voting continues through Thursday, Oct. 30. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Related: Early Voting in Perry Hall for 2014 Election

Screenshot from CNS YouTube video.