Voting Machines Getting Mixed Reactions

Hampton Bays residents who voted at the Hampton Bays Library Tuesday morning had mixed reactions to the new voting machines, some having used them for the first time.  The new paper ballot system is a welcome change for many while others say it's too complicated and invites corruption. 

"I don't like them," said Hampton Bays resident Rose Murphy on her way out of the polling place.  "I needed help.  I prefer the levers because I can do that myself."

Mike Tedesco of Hampton Bays, who voted with his wife, Paulette, said it will take some time to get used to the new system.  "They weren't as bad as I thought they'd be," he said.  "They took a little more time, but not that long.  It wasn't like the levers.  It wasn't just like, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.  But it wasn't that bad."

Resident James Clark said he didn't see the reason for all the fuss.  "They were easy.  Come on," he laughed.  "All you have to have is a third grade education.  No big deal."

Hampton Bays resident Ed Morris, who has lived and voted in Florida, said he was wary of the new machines before he went in to vote.  He said he had difficulties with Florida's voting process.  "Those machines were kind of similar.  I didn't like them either," he said.  When Morris returned from casting his ballot in the library, his opinion had somewhat changed.  "I had no trouble with it, really, but it takes a little getting used to," he said.  "They were a little bit better than the ones I used in Florida."

Scott Hollowell, who said he is a computer scientist, found one major problem with the machines.  "The computer system can be easily rigged," he said.  "They warned us about that.  That's why you have to count the paper ballots afterwards."  He also said that the ovals should be bigger for the elderly who might have trouble seeing them clearly.

Heather MacAdam, who said she is a professor at Stony Brook University, said she was very worried about the new voting machines.  "I don't like them and I don't believe them.  I don't trust them," she said.  "They can be easily hacked."  She insisted that the machines were created to control the outcome of the vote.  "They can be pre-programmed," she said. 

Hampton Bays resident Phil Robertson had little to say except, "It was fine."  When asked if he thought the new machines were easier than the old ones, he said, "It's about the same."

The polls will remain open until 9:00 p.m. tonight at the following polling places:

• Voting will take place at the Hampton Bays Middle School at 70 Ponquogue Avenue for Election Districts 8, 17, 22, 33 and 34.

• Voting will take place at the Hampton Bays United Methodist Church at 158 West Montauk Highway for Election Districts 20 and 25.

• Voting will take place at the Hampton Bays Public Library at 52 Ponquogue Avenue for Election Districts 32 and 40.

If you need more information on how to use the new machines, The Suffolk County Board of Elections has a voter education video on its website at http://www.suffolkvotes.com/voters.html.  Also keep in mind that poll watchers will be available to answer any questions you might have about the new voting procedure.  For more information on where to go to vote and how to use the new voting machines, call the Suffolk County Board of Elections at 631-852-4500