Let The Scanners Count The Votes

November 26, 2008

Some years ago, and after serving several years on the local County Board of Elections, one fact balanced the challenge. When using paper ballots and counting the ballot with a “scanner”, it is imperative to let the scanner only, work as designed to do, and count the votes.

When individuals try to count paper ballots which are designed to be counted for a scanner, personal choice begin to enter into the decision making conclusion(s), trying to justify their choice to get into the brain of the voter(s).

For example, when a proposed voter makes an X over an area which is to be covered if counted, the person(s) counting the vote for or against the candidate making the decision is making a determination as to whether the proposed voter wanted to vote for an individual, or did the voter want to vote against the candidate. Allow the scanners to do the job they are designed to do. Scanners are not political partisan. The scanner machines don’t care whether the vote is for a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent. Persons making the determination for or against a candidate usually care, as to who gets the vote.

Each and every voter has a right to cast their ballot correctly, and/or ask for the assistance of their choice, and to make sure their voting ballot is properly marked and counted. Individuals should not be trying to make a determination of any ballots votes, when the ballot is improperly marked.

Sincerely,

Oscar Y Harward