New Voting Machines Bring New Concerns

Local residents were introduced to new electronic voting machines during Tuesday's primary elections that decided who would face off in the November general election. New York is the last state in the country to implement electronic voting machines after Congress voted for the conversion of the systems eight years ago, in the wake of the voting debacle in Florida during the 2000 presidential election.

While towns across Westchester held tutorials and demonstrations on how to use the machines, turnout and interest in these events were dismal.

"I think they made a bigger thing about it than was necessary," said Diane Coppola, a Harrison resident. "It's new to everyone but people are here to guide you along, it's a very simple process."

For other residents, the systems brought in a wave of new concerns, including privacy, security and questions on whether or not the votes even went through. The efficiency of the new machines will be tested come November, as a bigger turnout is always expected in the general election.

Patch headed to Harrison, Mamaroneck and Rye to see how residents felt after placing their votes into the electronic machines.

The video was reported by Renea Henry and Sean Gallagher, and edited by Gallagher.

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