Election controversy already?

Thursday, October 21, 2004

Post a comment | E-mail this story | Print

The incorrect name lighting up is the subject of controversy.Caption
An election controversy is surfacing in Pasco County.

At least a thousand people a day are showing up to vote early, and with that comes allegations from about a half-dozen voters that machines are lighting up for candidates the voter isn't trying to choose.

Chuck Kalogianis, who is on Senator John Kerry's legal team, is investigating the situation.

"Our concern here is that the John Kerry button is being pressed, but the George W. Bush name is lighting up, and we're not hearing of the same thing in reverse," said Kalogianis.

Kalogianis wants to make sure everyone's right to vote is protected, and the candidate they support is the candidate reflected on their ballot.

"We're asking anyone who has information of the issue, contact Bay News 9, the supervisor of elections or the Kerry campaign," said Kalogianis.

Kalogianis says other than the allegations of glitches, he has heard everything is working smoothly.

Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Kurt Browning says he hasn't heard any reports of machines not reflecting what voters are selecting, but he says that's what the review page is for.

"If you use your thumb on that piece of equipment, if you are not squarely on it, that's why we say use your finger, so that you touch the candidate you want," said Browning. "What did the review screen say? Did they get to vote for the candidate they wanted before they cast their ballot? That's the test."
Some people are wary of the accuracy of voting machines.

Browning's challenger for the supervisor of elections position is Pat Bergy. He questions the accuracy and security of electronic voting machines, and says they don't just threaten people's votes; they threaten democracy.

Kerry's legal team say they don't want to cause panic or alarm; they just want to remind everyone to make double sure they review their ballots before they cast their votes.

Be in the Know with Bay News 9 Now!

Get news, weather, and traffic alerts delivered directly to your computer desktop, e-mail, or cell phone with Bay News 9 Now.

Subscribe for free!

In-depth with Charlie Crist

crist Florida Gov. Charlie Crist responds to backlash from his own party, corruption in politics, critics who say he backtracked on supporting the federal stimulus, and much more. It's all Sunday on Political Connections at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.