OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Vote-counting went smoothly during the general election in Oklahoma last week, but the state's election machinery is outdated and may soon be headed for the scrap heap.
State Election Board Secretary Michael Clingman said Monday he is hopeful a new voting system will be in place for the 2010 election.
Clingman said at least two companies are working on a new system that will fulfill the state's needs, including an audio system and touch pad to assist handicapped voters.
Most voters will not notice a difference under the new system, which will continue to use optical scanners and paper ballots.
It also will increase ballot box security because of the capability of taking a photograph of each ballot cast.
Oklahoma has about $28 million in federal funds from the 2002 Help America Vote Act to finance the new system.
"We've had an excellent system, especially for one that was bought in 1992," but it is antiquated, with all the technological improvements since then, Clingman said.
"How many people have PC's (personal computers) from 1992 that are still on their desks today?" he asked.
Much of the cost of the new system will be replacing the main frame computer at the Capitol. About 3,000 voting machines also will be replaced in the state's 77 counties.
Clingman said less than 20 of the state's voting machines at 2,300 precincts had to be swapped out last Tuesday night because of power outages or other problems.
He said under the new system, votes will be counted more quickly and ballot design will be easier.
He said one option for the 2010 election will be designating so-called "super precincts" for early voting on Friday, Saturday and Monday before election day, thereby reducing the number of provisional ballots.
A provisional ballot is created typically when people show up to vote, but their names are not on the precinct rolls.
Oklahoma, New York and New Hampshire are the only states that have not spent the bulk of their federal funds from the 2002 appropriation on new systems. Several states spent large sums on new voting machines that were quickly outdated.
Congress voted to finance upgrading election systems around the country after the 2000 controversy in Florida over "hanging chads" that led to the Supreme Court decision that decided the presidential election in favor of George W. Bush over Al Gore.
Local news
NEW: Election system change eyed
- Local news
-
-
Veterans, community remember the fallen
Wesley Carroll lives on, but countless numbers of his friends and family have been laid to rest after their service in conflicts dating as far back as the 18th century....
-
Deputies arrest 10
Cleveland County sheriff’s deputies made 10 arrests in a Saturday night and early Sunday morning saturation patrol....
-
Troopers release name in Thunderbird drowning
Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers have released the deceased’s name in a weekend drowning at Lake Thunderbird....
-
Holiday fun
Sunday wasn’t just another church night at Harvest Church. The church’s pre-Memorial Day fellowship event featured a monster truck show, bike stunts and fireworks, among other things....
-
Volunteers clean up Bishop Creek
Norman’s Bishop Creek is home to a lot more than frogs, turtles and water skimmers, a group of volunteers say....
-
More travelers to hit the road this Memorial Day
NEW YORK — More Americans will hit the road this holiday weekend than a year ago. And they’ll have a bit more money to spend thanks to lower gas prices....
-
OBA names officers
TULSA — Brad Swickey, president and CEO of Valliance Bank in Oklahoma City, was inducted as chairman of the Oklahoma Bankers Association at the OBA’s 115th Leadership Forum and Annual Convention, held May 14 and 15 at the Renaissance Hotel ...
-
Rig count down by 3 to 1,983
HOUSTON — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. is down three this week to 1,983....
-
Cornerstone Metals Recycling opens in Norman
Cornerstone Metals Recycling has officially opened a recycling facility in Norman at 2350 Industrial Blvd. The facility will provide easy access drive-through for recyclers in the Norman area including South Oklahoma City, Moore and Pauls ...
-
Agriculture Department spurring exports
International Market Development Coordinator Barbara Charlet is constantly finding new ways to introduce Oklahoma’s agricultural products to foreign markets. With 18 years of experience in the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and ...
- More Local news Headlines
-
