New Voting Machines Confuse Voters and Poll Workers

According to poll workers and voters in Commack, Tuesday's primary vote is saddled with problems setting up and utilizing the new voting machines.

Sheila and Ira Simon began working at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church polling location at 5 a.m.

"It sounded difficult for voters, and there was a lot of material to open," Sheila said. "Voters were worried by the machines and we had to teach many how to actually use the new sheets."

Two voters who did not wish to be identified at Commack High School said the sheets provided for voting had the categories too close together, making it harder for them to find each candidates' voting bubble on the sheet.

Ralph Fierro, another poll worker at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, said the training was inadequate, a sentiment many workers echoed.

Training for the machines began in July, workers said, and the machines were approved around the same time in response to a federal mandate, according to Tom Knoble, assistant to Commissioner Cathy Geier.

Art Titolo, another poll worker, said a power failure was his biggest fear when dealing with these machines.

"The Board of Elections said there would be back-up generators, but we don't have them," Titolo said.

He said the machines have a special area for sheets should a power failure occur, but noted that these votes must be entered electronically to be counted.

At Holy Cross Lutheran Church, four to six men and women manned each of their three machines. The machines setup allowed voters to vote for candidates in districts 25, 87 and 14. (View candidates on Commack ballots on SmartVoter.org.)

Polls will be open until 9 p.m. at all Commack locations, including Commack High School, Indian Hollow Primary School, John Mandracchia-Sawmill Intermediate School, Wood Park Primary School and Holy Cross Lutheran Church. If you are looking for your designated polling place, check the New York state voter website.

Have any problems with the machines, voting or finding a polling place? Email victoria@patch.com.

Wondering how these machines actually work? Check out this video on Patch.